Minnesota Human Rights Act: A guide for associations

What is the Minnesota Human Rights Act?

The Minnesota Human Rights Act is the state law that prohibits discrimination in housing and sets expectations for how housing providers, including community associations, must treat residents and applicants. The Act works alongside the federal Fair Housing Act to protect people based on protected classes such as race, religion, disability, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, and gender identity. The Act applies to homeowner associations, condominium associations, cooperatives, and other forms of common interest communities throughout the state.

This article is not intended to and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Board members should consult their association’s attorney to discuss the legal implications of their decisions or actions prior to proceeding.
 

Key things associations should know

The Minnesota Human Rights Act includes several important protections that affect how associations create policies and how policies should be enforced. Boards should understand the following points clearly:

• The law applies to all community associations: This includes condominiums, townhome associations, cooperatives, and other forms of common interest communities in Minnesota.
   
• It intersects with other state and federal laws: Associations must also follow other applicable laws, such as the Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act and the federal Fair Housing Act.
   
• The law applies to shared spaces as well as individual units: Associations must apply fair housing protections in community facilities, parking areas, outdoor spaces, meeting rooms, and other common elements, not just inside homes.
   
• The state looks for patterns in board decisions: An association can face questions based solely on how decisions were applied over time, even when there was no intent to treat anyone differently. Documented procedures and consistent practices can help demonstrate fairness.
   
• Architectural decisions are covered by the law: Requests involving ramps, lifts, medical equipment, or access features must be reviewed in a way that aligns with the Minnesota Human Rights Act. Even exterior decisions may require evaluation if the request relates to a resident’s disability.
   
• Families with children receive specific protections: Policies that relate to curfews, pool use, common area play, and similar issues must be written and enforced in ways that treat households equitably. Even neutral language may require a closer look if it affects families differently.

These considerations help associations navigate their responsibilities under the Minnesota Human Rights Act and provide a solid foundation for fair and consistent community operations.
 

Compliance tips

1. Apply policies consistently

   Consistent policy application is one of the most effective ways to support compliance with the Minnesota Human Rights Act. When policies are applied fairly to every resident, it becomes easier to demonstrate that decisions were made properly. This may include documenting enforcement steps, following the same sequence of notices for all residents, and treating each situation with the same level of attention. Property management partners can assist by helping track enforcement activity and preparing standardized communication templates.
    

2. Review community policies regularly

   The Act looks not only at intent but also at how policies affect people in protected classes. Associations benefit from periodically reviewing their policies with help from qualified legal counsel to identify whether any may unintentionally create barriers. This may involve reviewing architectural procedures, enforcement timelines, amenity access policies, or communication habits. When the board identifies areas that need updates, a property management company can help coordinate the work and keep residents informed.
    

3. Understand disability-related requests

   Requests for accommodations or modifications related to disability must be reviewed carefully under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. These requests may involve parking, assistance animals, access routes, or other areas where a resident needs support to use their home. Associations may have the right to ask for documentation to confirm disability-related needs, but any requests for information must follow legal guidelines. A property management company can help your board establish a standardized process to support compliance during the review.
    

4. Document interactions and decisions

   Accurate documentation helps boards show that their actions follow the Minnesota Human Rights Act. When a board keeps organized files for enforcement notices, architectural requests, board meeting decisions, and accommodation reviews, it becomes easier to answer questions if concerns arise. Documentation also supports continuity when board members transition. Property management companies can help maintain records and keep files accessible for board review.
    

5. Stay informed about state and federal updates

   The Minnesota Human Rights Act may be updated from time to time, and associations benefit from staying informed about new requirements. Boards can stay connected with their legal counsel, attend educational sessions, and review updates from state agencies. When Minnesota HOA laws change, associations may need to adjust procedures. Property management partners can help boards navigate these changes and coordinate updates across the community.
    

6. Keep board education ongoing

   New and returning board members benefit from regular training on fair housing expectations. When board members understand how the Minnesota Human Rights Act affects their responsibilities, they can make decisions with greater confidence. Many associations use annual training sessions or onboarding meetings to discuss policy enforcement and accommodations. A property management company can provide board training sessions and practical guidance.

How a property management company can help

A property management company like FirstService Residential can assist with documentation, communication, enforcement procedures, and resident requests, all of which play important roles in fair housing compliance. When policies are applied consistently and decisions are documented, associations can respond more effectively to questions about how they handled an issue.

Property management professionals also help coordinate disability-related requests by organizing paperwork, communicating with residents, and preparing information for the board’s attorney when legal guidance is needed. These requests can be sensitive, and organized communication helps reduce the risk of confusion.

Many boards also rely on their management partner to help educate new board members. Training sessions and reference materials can introduce fair housing principles and explain how the Minnesota Human Rights Act applies within a community association. This early preparation helps board members feel prepared and confident as they make decisions.

A property management company may also help identify when policies or practices need review. By working closely with communities across the state, management teams often notice patterns or questions that signal a need for updates. They can help coordinate review sessions with the association’s attorney and organize communication with residents once an update is completed.
 

About FirstService Residential

FirstService Residential supports Minnesota communities with local expertise and dedicated service. Our teams assist with communication, maintenance coordination, financial management, and documentation practices, all designed to simplify life for board members and residents alike.

To learn how FirstService Residential can support your association, contact our team today.