Facing eviction is one of the most frightening experiences a family can go through — but 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 renters catch up on rent, stay in their homes, and understand their rights. Here’s what to know right now about eviction prevention in Hennepin County.
Eviction Filings Are Up — So Is the Response
Eviction filings in Hennepin County reached record levels in 2025, and demand for help has stayed high into 2026. In response, the county’s 2026 budget dedicated $9.6 million to emergency rent assistance, with a goal of preventing more than 2,500 evictions this year alone.
Rent Help Hennepin: Emergency Rental Assistance
Rent Help Hennepin provides emergency rental assistance to renters who are at immediate risk of eviction. According to Hennepin County, the program targets funds toward the households at greatest risk of homelessness.
Who Qualifies?
- Households at or below 30% of the area median income
- Priority is given to households with minor children, people with disabilities, and seniors
- You do not need to wait for a formal eviction filing — if you’re behind on rent, apply right away
If you live in Minneapolis specifically, the city separately entered a $2 million emergency rental assistance agreement with Hennepin County in spring 2026, delivered through community partners including CLUES, Isuroon, and the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center.
How to Apply
- Apply online through RentHelpHennepin.org
- Applications are typically processed within about two weeks, faster when an eviction hearing date is close
- Explore Hues Hope’s Housing Resources page for more local rental help and shelter contacts
Free Legal Help: Adult Representation Services
Many renters don’t realize they have a right to legal representation in Housing Court — and it makes a real difference. Hennepin County Adult Representation Services (ARS) provides no-cost legal advice and representation to income-eligible renters facing eviction.
- Call ARS: 612-348-7012, or email contactARS@hennepin.us
- Office: 525 Portland Ave, Suite 1000, Minneapolis — open weekdays, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ARS attorneys often work alongside the emergency rent assistance team to negotiate settlements that let tenants remain in their homes. For more free and low-cost legal help across the metro, visit Hues Hope’s Legal Services page.
Know Your Rights as a Tenant
Understanding the eviction process can help you act quickly and protect your home. Every renter in Hennepin County should know:
- You’re entitled to written notice. Landlords generally must provide notice before filing for eviction — and cannot skip straight to court without cause.
- Self-help evictions are illegal. A landlord cannot legally change your locks, shut off your utilities, or remove your belongings to force you out without a court order.
- Always go to your court hearing. Ignoring a filing can hurt your ability to rent in the future. Showing up — with or without a lawyer — keeps your options open.
- Many cases settle. A large share of eviction filings end in a settlement, dismissal, or repair agreement that allows the tenant to stay, especially when the tenant has legal representation.
For free tenant rights advice by phone, contact HOME Line at 612-728-5767 — a statewide nonprofit tenant hotline available at no cost to Minnesota renters.
More Ways to Get Help Staying Housed
- Tenant Resource Connection: 612-767-9737 — referrals for legal help, mediation, and emergency assistance. Leave a message and they’ll call back.
- Community Mediation & Restorative Services: 612-200-3551 — help negotiating a payment plan with your landlord before a case reaches court.
- Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County: rental assistance grants up to $1,000 for past-due rent or a security deposit. Office at 7101 Northland Circle N, Suite 123, Brooklyn Park.
- Dial 211: Minnesota’s free, 24/7 helpline can connect you to emergency shelter, food, and financial assistance resources statewide.
If you’re behind on rent or worried about an eviction filing, the most important step is the first one: reach out today, before the situation escalates. Between Rent Help Hennepin, free legal representation through ARS, and tenant rights protections built into Minnesota law, there are more resources standing between you and homelessness than most renters realize. Explore Hues Hope’s Financial Assistance page for even more help staying stably housed.