Maintenance, Lawn Care and Snow Removal: Who Is Responsible?

Disputes over who fixes what, who mows and who shovels are some of the most common in single-family rentals. Minnesota law sets a baseline that owners can't contract around, and a clear lease handles the rest.

What landlords must always do

Under section 504B.161, in every residential lease the landlord promises:

• That the home and all common areas are fit for their intended use
• To keep the home and common areas in reasonable repair during the lease, including pest extermination, unless the tenant caused the damage through willful, malicious or irresponsible conduct
• To keep the property in compliance with health and safety laws, including rental licensing ordinances
• To provide heat of at least 68 degrees Fahrenheit in all living areas, including kitchens and bathrooms, from October 1 through April 30, unless a utility company requires it to be lowered
• To make certain energy efficiency improvements, such as weatherstripping and storm windows, when the savings will exceed the cost

These promises can't be waived or changed in the lease.

What can be assigned to the tenant

The same section allows the landlord and tenant to agree that the tenant will do specified repairs or maintenance, but only if:

• The agreement is in a conspicuous writing, and
• It is supported by adequate consideration (for example, a rent amount that reflects the tenant taking on the work).

An agreement like this can't relieve the landlord of the core duties above, or of maintaining common areas.

Lawn care and snow removal

In many single-family rentals, mowing, watering and shoveling are assigned to the tenant, and in multi-unit buildings they are usually the owner's job. Either way, put it in writing: who mows, how often, who shovels walks and driveways, and who handles roof snow or ice dams. Sidewalk clearing deadlines are set by each city, and the property owner can be cited if a sidewalk isn't cleared, so check the rules where your rental is.

At Fuze, lawn and snow responsibilities are set for each property when you sign up: the owner pays for service, the association provides it, or the tenant is responsible (with or without owner-provided tools). If nothing is chosen for a single-family home, the lease defaults to tenant responsibility. For multi-unit buildings, tenant responsibility is a liability risk, so we require owners to handle lawn and snow care, or we can set the service up for you.

A winter rule for tenants

Minnesota also protects owners from frozen pipes. Between November 15 and April 15, a tenant who is moving out or vacating before the tenancy ends must give the landlord three days' notice first (section 504B.155).

How Fuze handles maintenance

Fuze provides 24/7 maintenance intake and coordination, and our in-house repairs team handles turnovers, plumbing, electrical, HVAC and full rehabs. Owners get transparent work orders and repair pricing. Owners approve repair spending. For emergency or required repairs, we can act on repairs up to $750 without waiting for approval, and we hold a $750 per unit maintenance reserve. If an owner doesn't respond within 48 hours, we can proceed, and in a true emergency involving the safety of the property or tenants we may exceed $750.

Talk to Fuze about your rental

Want maintenance handled without the midnight calls? See how Fuze property management works, view our pricing, or call 612.353.8080.

This article is general information, not legal advice. It summarizes Minnesota Statutes chapter 504B as published in the 2025 Minnesota Statutes by the Office of the Revisor of Statutes. Laws change, and some cities add their own rules, so check current law or talk with a Minnesota attorney about your situation.