SecondChanceInfo

Eviction-Friendly Apartments in Saint Paul, MN

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Renting After an Eviction in Saint Paul

Saint Paul shares Minnesota's progressive tenant protections with neighboring Minneapolis, including eviction record expungement, source-of-income protections, and strong screening restrictions. Saint Paul's more affordable rents and many private landlords in established neighborhoods make it an excellent option for renters with eviction histories.

Minnesota Eviction Record Laws

Eviction Record Sealing
Available. Minnesota allows expungement of eviction records for dismissed cases, tenant victories, and other qualifying conditions.
Eviction History Lookback
Expunged records don't appear on screening reports. Most landlords check 7 years for unexpunged records.
Tenant Screening Restrictions
Minnesota has source-of-income protections. Saint Paul has its own renter protections including limits on screening criteria.

Entries that cite a state or city law are legal limits; the rest describe common market practice. Separately, the federal FCRA limits how long consumer reporting agencies may report civil judgments (generally 7 years from entry) — it does not stop landlords from reading public court records directly.

Housing Options in Saint Paul After an Eviction

"Acceptance basis" is how each option decides — a verifiable program characteristic (income limits, waitlists, screening policy), not a probability. Confirm a property's current criteria before paying any application fee.

TypeDescriptionAcceptance basis
Private individual landlordsSaint Paul has many privately owned duplexes and homes, especially on the East Side.Case-by-case
LIHTC / affordable housingRamsey County has affordable housing.Income-qualified
Second-chance housingCommonBond Communities and other nonprofits serve tenants with barriers.Markets to evictions
Saint Paul Public Housing Agency (PHA)Manages public housing and Section 8.Waitlist + program rules
Supportive housingCatholic Charities and CLUES provide supportive housing.Program enrollment
Room rentalsRoom rentals available throughout Saint Paul.Arrange directly

Strategies for Renting with an Eviction in Saint Paul

  1. 1.

    Petition for eviction record expungement

    Minnesota's expungement law is powerful. Contact Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services.

  2. 2.

    Use source-of-income protections

    MN landlords cannot refuse vouchers.

  3. 3.

    Focus on East Side and Frogtown

    East Side, Frogtown, and North End have affordable private rentals.

  4. 4.

    Know Saint Paul's renter protections

    Saint Paul has limits on screening criteria and tenant protections.

  5. 5.

    Work with Ramsey County housing programs

    Ramsey County coordinates housing services.

  6. 6.

    Explore Maplewood and Roseville

    Adjacent suburbs offer additional options.

Local Housing Resources in Saint Paul

Organizations that can help you find housing after an eviction.

Saint Paul Public Housing Agency

Housing Authority

Manages public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers.

Southern MN Regional Legal Services

Legal Aid

Free legal services including expungement.

HOME Line

Tenant Rights

Free tenant hotline.

211 United Way — Ramsey County

Helpline

Dial 211 for referrals.

Tips for Renting with an Eviction in Saint Paul

  • 1.Contact Southern MN Regional Legal Services for expungement help.
  • 2.MN landlords cannot refuse vouchers.
  • 3.East Side, Frogtown, and North End have affordable options.
  • 4.Saint Paul has its own renter protection ordinances.
  • 5.HOME Line offers a free tenant hotline.
  • 6.Consider Maplewood and Roseville for suburban options.
  • 7.Apply during winter for less competition.
  • 8.Saint Paul is more affordable than Minneapolis for comparable neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent in Saint Paul with an eviction?
Yes. Minnesota's strong protections and Saint Paul's affordable market help.
Can I get my eviction expunged in MN?
Yes. Contact Southern MN Regional Legal Services.
Does MN have source-of-income protections?
Yes.
Does Saint Paul PHA accept applicants with evictions?
Reviewed individually.
Best areas?
East Side, Frogtown, North End, and Payne-Phalen.
Free legal help?
Southern MN Regional Legal Services and HOME Line.

Related Resources

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Eviction laws, tenant screening practices, and housing availability change frequently. Always contact properties directly to confirm current policies. An eviction on your record does not automatically disqualify you from housing — many landlords evaluate applicants individually. For legal advice about your eviction record or tenant rights, contact a legal aid organization or a HUD-approved housing counselor.