[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today signed Executive Order 20-79, which makes a technical update that will add flexibility to Executive Orders 20-14 and 20-73.

As COVID-19 continues to impact tenants’ ability to pay their rent, Executive Order 20-79 strikes a balance between protecting housing stability and public health and acknowledging the reality that some evictions are necessary to protect public safety. While the eviction moratorium continues, under this Executive Order, housing providers can evict a tenant when the tenant violates a lease by endangering the safety of others, engaging in certain illegal activities, or significantly damaging property. Evictions can also proceed if the homeowner or their family member needs to move into the premises or if a writ of recovery was issued prior to March 24 at 5:00 pm.

The Executive Order also requires landlords to give residential tenants a seven-day notice of intent to file an eviction to help mitigate the impact upon residential tenants and encourage resolutions without court involvement.

This Executive Order will replace Executive Orders 20-14 and 20-73 and was unanimously approved by the Minnesota Executive Council, which is made up of Governor Walz, Lt. Governor Flanagan, Attorney General Ellison, Secretary of State Simon, and State Auditor Blaha. It will take effect on August 4 at 12:00 am and remain in effect for the duration of the peacetime emergency or until rescinded.