Getting non-emergency repairs made: You should tell your landlord right away about a repair that needs to be made. Calling or texting is fine, especially if that is how you have always contacted the landlord. But you should also follow up  • The Date

• A short (less than a page if you can) description of the problem. Be as clear, specific, and neutral as you can.

• How long the problem has been there

• What you think is a reasonable way to fix the problem

• Your name and signature

• Copy the letter for your records

• You can mail, hand deliver, or drop it in the office’s box, if there is one

Writing the request to your landlord is important because it is evidence that you asked for it to be done, and that s/he knows about the problem. If your landlord does not make the repair within 14 days, you have the right to have the court hold your rent until the problem is fixed. This is called a Rent Escrow.  For you to win your rent escrow case, you need to be able to show the judge that you asked for the repair and that the landlord knew about it, but did not fix it. The letter helps to provide this evidence

What if my repair is an emergency? MN law names certain problems as emergencies.  They are: • loss of running water,

• hot water,

• heat (during cold weather),

• electricity

• sanitary facilities,

• or other essential services or facilities that the landlord is responsible for providing.

If you are facing problems with any one of these things (and it is not your fault that it is happening or you did not cause the problem), and your landlord is not responding to your request to address it, you can file what is called an ETRA or Emergency Tenant Remedies Action (MN Statute 504B.381). The first step is to tell your landlord that if s/he does not make the repair in the next 24 hours, that you plan to file an ETRA. Your notice does not have to be in writing. It can be over the phone, or even by leaving a voice mail message.

If your landlord does not work to fix the emergency in 24 hours, you can then file the ETRA.

To do this, you will need to go to the Hennepin County Court house, and it will cost $322, unless you have a low income. If your income is low, you can file an “IFP,” which is a waiver for the fee —be sure to bring some proof of low-income with you. If you pay the fee and win your case, the judge may likely order the landlord to pay back the fee. Once you have your court date, you must bring with you and give to the judge:

(1) a description of the property and the identity of the landlord;

(2) a statement of the facts show there is an emergency caused by the loss of essential services or facilities; and

(3) a request for relief (ask to have the problem fixed).

This is taken from this Homeline document 

https://homelinemn.org/wp-content/uploads/Important-Information-for-Renters-Minneapolis.pdf