02-24 Bill 2026-04 Published in FullCity of Richfield February 24, 2026
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
BILL NO. 2026-04
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Motion by: Coleman-Woods
Seconded by: Burk
AN EMERGENCY ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR AN EXTENDED NOTICE PERIOD PRIOR
TO THE FILING OF AN EVICTION FOR NONPAYMENT OF RENT
THE CITY OF RICHFIELD DOES ORDAIN:
SECTION 1.
PREAMBLE.
1.01 The City of Richfield (“City”) values the safety, dignity, equal protection and treatment, and
human rights of all its residents, regardless of race, religion, immigration status, or national
origin. The City is home to persons of diverse racial, ethnic, and national backgrounds,
including a significant immigrant and refugee population.
1.02 In December 2025, federal immigration enforcement action dramatically increased in the Twin
Cities metro area as part of its Operation Metro Surge. These actions have led to the
deployment of approximately 3,000 federal officers to the Twin Cities, a number which
exceeds the combined total of the ten largest Twin Cities metro police forces and dwarfs that
of the City. The federal immigration enforcement actions have led to the arrest of over 2,000
individuals.
1.03 The federal immigration enforcement action has occurred within and around the City and has
targeted those within the City. On January 8, 2026, a highly publicized federal immigration
enforcement action involved the arrest of two U.S. citizens at a retail store within the City.
These individuals worked within the City at that store. This immigration enforcement action
resulting in the arrest of US citizens indicates a general danger to those who live and work
within the City.
1.04 The federal immigration enforcement action has broadly sown fear within the Twin Cities,
including among City residents. Retail establishments have temporarily closed or reduced
hours causing City residents working for those establishments not to receive expected
income. City residents have felt compelled to remain in their homes and miss work in order to
avoid being caught up in or targeted by the federal immigration enforcement action. The City
is aware of nine local businesses that have closed or modified hours due to current federal
actions, and according to VEAP, in-person visits for food assistance dropped 30% in
December as people opted not to leave their homes.
1.05 The City’s 2040 Comprehensive Plan identifies several broad housing policies, including
developing policies for naturally occurring affordable multi-family housing that encourage the
maintenance and upgrading of aging apartment buildings, while maintaining affordability and
preventing displacement of residents.
City of Richfield February 24, 2026
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
BILL NO. 2026-04
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1.06 By this ordinance, the City desires to mitigate the negative effects of the federal immigration
enforcement action on its residents’ housing stability by establishing a pre-eviction notice
requirement greater than that which exists under Minnesota statute. Winter in Minnesota can
be notoriously harsh, this year included. Causing City residents to face housing instability in
the midst of the federal immigration enforcement action and freezing temperatures is likely to
threaten residents’ well-being. Renters that have a recent eviction on their record often have a
difficult experience finding appropriate housing. This ordinance is intended to provide an
extended period for residents to access resources and avoid eviction for nonpayment of rent.
1.07 This ordinance qualifies as an emergency ordinance under Richfield City Charter Section 3.06
as there is an established connection between housing, public health, and safety. In
consideration of the ongoing circumstances in the City, it is necessary for the immediate
preservation of public health, safety, and welfare for the aforementioned reasons.
SECTION 2.
2.01 NOTICE REQUIRED PRIOR TO INITIATING EVICTION PROCEEDINGS
(A) At least thirty (30) days before bringing an eviction action alleging nonpayment of rent or
other unpaid financial obligations in violation of the lease, a landlord must provide written
pre-eviction notice to the residential tenant specifying the basis for future eviction action.
1. The written pre-eviction notice under this Section 2.01 must include:
(a) the total amount due;
(b) a specific accounting of the amount of the total due from unpaid rent, late fees,
and other charges under the lease;
(c) the name and address of the person authorized to receive rent and fees on
behalf of the landlord;
(d) the following statement: "You have the right to seek legal help. If you can't afford
a lawyer, free legal help may be available. Contact Legal Aid or visit
www.LawHelpMN.org to know your rights and find your local Legal Aid office.";
(e) the following statement: "To apply for financial help, contact your local county or
Tribal social services office, apply online at MNBenefits.mn.gov or call the United
Way toll-free information line by dialing 2-1-1 or 800-543-7709."; and
(f) the following statement: "Your landlord can file an eviction case if you do not pay
the total amount due or move out within 30 days from the date of this notice."
2. The landlord or an agent of the landlord must deliver the notice personally or by first-
class mail to the residential tenant at the address of the leased premises.
City of Richfield February 24, 2026
County of Hennepin
State of Minnesota
BILL NO. 2026-04
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(B)If the tenant fails to correct the rent delinquency within thirty (30) days of the notice or fails to
vacate, the landlord may bring an eviction action under Minnesota Statutes §504B.321.
(C)In the case of an expedited eviction action filed pursuant to Minnesota Statutes §504B.321,
subd. 2, a landlord will not be required to provide or comply with the pre-eviction notice
required under this Section.
2.02 WAIVER NOT ALLOWED. The parties to a written or oral lease may not waive or modify the
requirements imposed by this ordinance.
2.03 AFFIRMATIVE DEFENSE. In addition to any other remedy available to a tenant at equity or
law, it shall be an affirmative defense that a tenant’s landlord failed to comply with the
provisions of this ordinance. This affirmative defense is available to a tenant facing an eviction
action alleging nonpayment of rent or other unpaid financial obligations in violation of the
lease.
2.04 SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this ordinance are severable. If any provision of this
ordinance or its application is held invalid, that invalidity will not affect other provisions or
applications that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application.
SECTION 3. This ordinance will be effective in accordance with Section 3.09 of the City Charter
and will remain in effect through May 18, 2026 (the currently scheduled end of the 2026 Minnesota
Legislative Session); following that date, this ordinance will be automat ically repealed.
Adopted by the City of Richfield this 24th day of February, 2026.
VOTING AYE VOTING NAY
Supple, Mary Supple, Mary
Burk, Walter Burk, Walter
Christensen, Sharon Christensen, Sharon
Coleman-Woods, Rori Coleman-Woods, Rori
Hayford Oleary, Sean Hayford Oleary, Sean
Mary B. Supple, Mayor
ATTEST:
Michelle Friedrich, City Clerk