Minnesota § 281.70 - LIMITED RIGHT OF ENTRY

Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 281.70 — LIMITED RIGHT OF ENTRY, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 281.70. LIMITED RIGHT OF ENTRY

Subdivision 1.Limited right of entry.

If premises described in a real estate tax judgment sale are vacant or unoccupied, the county auditor or a person acting on behalf of the county auditor may, but is not obligated to, enter the premises to protect the premises from waste or trespass until the county auditor is notified that the premises are occupied. An affidavit of the sheriff, the county auditor, or a person acting on behalf of the county auditor describing the premises and stating that the premises are vacant and unoccupied is prima facie evidence of the facts stated in the affidavit. If the affidavit contains a legal description of the premises, the affidavit may be recorded in the office of the county recorder or the registrar of titles in the county where the premises are located.

Subd. 2.Authorized actions.

(a) The county auditor may take one or more of the following actions to protect the premises from waste or trespass:

(1) install or change locks on doors and windows;

(2) board windows; and

(3) other actions to prevent or minimize damage to the premises from the elements, vandalism, trespass, or other illegal activities.

(b) If the county auditor installs or changes locks on premises under paragraph (a), the county auditor must promptly deliver a key to the premises to the taxpayer or any person lawfully claiming a right of occupancy upon request.

Subd. 3.Costs.

Costs incurred by the county auditor in protecting the premises from waste or trespass under this section may be added to the delinquent taxes due. The costs may bear interest to the extent provided, and interest may be added to the delinquent taxes due.

Subd. 4.Scope.

The actions authorized under this section are in addition to, and do not limit or replace, any other rights or remedies available to the county auditor under Minnesota law.

History:

1Sp2017 c 1 art 2 s 29

Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes

Source: official Minnesota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 281.70

What does Minnesota Statutes § 281.70 cover?

Section 281.70 ("LIMITED RIGHT OF ENTRY") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Minnesota § 281.70?

A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 281.70" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Minnesota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.

How does Minnesota § 281.70 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.