Facing eviction is one of the most frightening experiences a family can go through. The good news is that if you rent in Hennepin County, you don’t have to face it alone. A strong network of programs — led by Rent Help Hennepin — exists to help you stay in your home, catch up on rent, and know your rights. Here’s what you need to know right now.
In 2025, eviction filings in Hennepin County reached an all-time high with approximately 10,000 total filings. That’s a sobering figure — but it’s also why the county has invested more heavily than ever in helping renters stay housed.
In response to this heightened eviction risk, Hennepin County allocated $1.5 million in additional emergency rent assistance funding in October 2025, effectively preserving emergency rent assistance eligibility criteria for the full year. And the results speak for themselves: the county says it prevented 2,800 evictions in 2025, and through the end of March this year, has already prevented 530 more.
Rent Help Hennepin: Emergency Rental Assistance
Hennepin County provides emergency rental assistance for renters who are at immediate risk of eviction. The county’s 2026 budget included $9.6 million to prevent more than 2,500 evictions through the county’s emergency rent assistance program, Rent Help Hennepin.
Who Qualifies?
To ensure that available funds go toward households at greatest risk for homelessness, Hennepin County targets assistance to households with an eviction filing who are at or below 30% of area median income. Assistance is further targeted to three populations — households with minor-aged children, people with disabilities, and seniors.
If you live in the City of Minneapolis specifically, there’s even more help available. The City of Minneapolis has partnered with Hennepin County to allocate an additional $2 million toward emergency rent support. Three community partner organizations — CLUES, Isuroon, and the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center — are already contracted to help renters apply.
How Fast Can You Get Help?
On average, the emergency rent assistance system processes payments within 14 days and expedites payments wherever needed based on the remaining timeline in a resident’s eviction proceedings. The process is designed to meet the unique needs of each resident in the context of one of the fastest-paced housing courts in the nation.
To apply or check your eligibility, visit RentHelpHennepin.org or explore our Housing resources page for additional guidance and local contacts.
Free Legal Help: Adult Representation Services (ARS)
Many renters don’t realize they have the right to legal representation in Housing Court — and that it can make a real difference.
Hennepin County Adult Representation Services (ARS) offers no-cost legal advice and representation for income-eligible residents facing eviction. Of the nearly 20,000 Housing Court cases ARS has handled since it began in 2021, more than 85% of renter clients have avoided eviction or had a favorable outcome — such as a settlement, dismissal, repair order, or expungement.
ARS housing attorneys work hand in glove with the emergency rent assistance team to facilitate settlements at housing court that allow tenants to remain in their homes. This partnership has ensured that thousands of tenants avoid eviction every year.
- Call ARS: 612-348-7012 or email contactARS@hennepin.us
You can also explore our Legal Services page for more free and low-cost legal help in the Minneapolis area.
Know Your Rights as a Tenant in Hennepin County
Understanding the eviction process can help you act quickly and protect your home. Here are the key rights every Hennepin County renter should know:
- You must receive written notice first. You should receive at least a 14-day written notice before your property manager files an eviction in court.
- Your landlord cannot force you out illegally. Landlords cannot forcibly remove tenants by changing the locks, turning off utilities, or any other action that would force the tenant to leave.
- Always attend your court hearing. It is possible to keep your housing even after an eviction filing. You are not alone and you have options. But you must take an active role — ignoring an eviction filing can have lasting negative impacts on your ability to rent in the future.
- Settlements are common. If you go to your court hearing, you can access free legal representation so that you have a chance to present your case and work on resolution. Many eviction filings can be resolved with a settlement that allows people to stay in their housing.
Other Resources to Help You Stay Housed
Tenant Resource Connection (TRC)
The Tenant Resource Center is a collaborative effort that offers referrals and direct assistance for legal issues, housing search, mediation, emergency assistance, workforce assistance, and eviction and homelessness prevention in Hennepin County.
- Call TRC: 612-767-9737 — leave a message and they will call you back.
Community Mediation & Restorative Services
Sometimes a payment plan with your landlord can stop an eviction before it reaches court. Get help making a payment plan with your property manager by calling 612-200-3551 or emailing hennepincourt@communitymediationmn.org.
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC)
Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County’s Rental Assistance program can help pay your past-due rent or security deposit, ensuring you and your family have stable housing, even during a financial crisis. Rental Assistance grants pay up to $1,000 per household for eviction prevention or security deposit assistance. Their office is located at 7101 Northland Circle N, Suite 123, Brooklyn Park.
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