HOME Line

Use these letters to help you communicate and document your issues. Make sure you sign, date and keep a copy for yourself.

Documents are in PDF format. You can get the free PDF reader here:

1. Fill out the appropriate letter. If you need help filling out the letter, call HOME Line @ 612-728-5767 in the metro area or 866-866-3546 if you are long distance, and a tenant advocate will be happy to help you.
2. Make sure you sign the letter and date the letter.
3. Make a copy of the letter after you sign and date it. Keep it for your personal file.
4. Send the original request by first class mail (a regular stamp) to the landlord or property owner (whoever you pay rent to or is named on the lease).
5. The letter you filled out gives your landlord a certain number of days to respond. Allow your landlord that amount of time to reply to your request.
6. If the landlord or property owner fails to comply with your request, call HOME Line back and a tenant advocate will discuss other options.

• PDF copy of instructions

• If you do not have a copy of your current lease, use this letter.
• PDF Format

If you went to court for an eviction hearing, a writ of recovery was issued, and your former landlord has possession of your property, call HOME Line to speak with a tenant advocate.

• If your former landlord has possession of your property, but you were not evicted through court proceedings, use this letter.
• PDF Format

• Use this letter if your landlord or property manager is trying to limit your visitors.
• PDF Format

• If your neighbor is bothering you, use this letter.
• PDF Format

• If your landlord or property manager enters the premises without notice, use this letter.
• PDF Format

• Use this letter if your landlord or property manager won't make necessary repairs.
• PDF Format

• The Residential Real Estate Committee of the Minnesota State Bar Association's Real Property Council has published an excellent residential lease for general use by tenants and landlords. The form is entitled, "Minnesota Standard Residential Lease."
• This link includes instructions and a sub-link to the lease itself (in PDF format). The link will take you outside of the HOME Line website.
• Residential Lease

• If your landlord or property manager takes actions against you after you call an inspector or otherwise assert your rights as a tenant, use this letter.
• PDF Format

Landlords are legally required to send former tenants either their security deposit or a letter outlining how the deposit was used (or a combination of the two). They must postmark this correspondence within 21 days after the rental period ends and the tenant provides a forwarding address.

• If your landlord hasn't returned your deposit or a letter explaining how the deposit was used within 21 days, use this letter.
• PDF Format



• If your landlord has sent you a letter outlining how your deposit was used, but you do not agree with the amounts withheld, call the hotline and a tenant advocate will discuss your legal options with you.



• If you need help calculating the interest on your deposit, use this form.
• PDF Format

We try to provide quality legal information and legal forms, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information and forms we will supply. As legal information must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case, and laws are constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent counsel. Legal information is not legal advice. Although we go to great lengths to make sure our information is accurate and useful, we recommend you consult one of our staff or another lawyer if you want professional assurance that our information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate to your particular situation.