Accommodation in Minneapolis

When it comes to accommodation in Minneapolis, there is plenty of choice for professionals relocating to one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the Midwest.

The city’s population growth has pushed up rental costs due to growing demand, but new developments continue to spring up throughout Minneapolis, giving prospective renters some excellent choices. Some landlords may even offer competitive rental rates to fill new buildings, so it’s worth shopping around for the best deal.

Neighbourhoods in Minneapolis

Your choice of neighbourhood will significantly impact both rental costs and your daily lifestyle. Minneapolis is home to everything from trendy warehouse lofts in the North Loop that put you steps from Target Field to family-friendly streets in Linden Hills, where you’re minutes from exceptional schools and lakeside parks.

Young professionals typically gravitate toward areas like Downtown West for easy access to the business district and light rail connections, or Northeast Minneapolis for its emerging arts scene and reasonable rental prices. Families often prioritise neighbourhoods like Fulton or the Bde Maka Ska area for space and excellent schools, whilst budget-conscious renters find solid value in areas like Powderhorn or Seward without sacrificing urban convenience.

Best (and Worst) Neighbourhoods in Minneapolis

Types of accommodation in Minneapolis

There is a variety of housing options in Minneapolis. Modern high-rise buildings offering apartments with full amenities are available in the city’s downtown areas. There are also several converted warehouses and industrial buildings that make for trendy loft apartments. In the surrounding suburbs, family homes range from large and spacious freestanding houses to neat and compact townhouses.

Generally, the closer you live to a lake or the river in Minneapolis, the more expensive the accommodation will be.

Finding accommodation in Minneapolis

The easiest way to find accommodation in Minneapolis is online. Popular property portals like Apartments.com, Zillow, RentCafe, and ApartmentList list current properties for rent and often include reviews from current and former tenants.

Social media groups, particularly Facebook communities for Minneapolis renters and neighbourhood-specific groups, can be goldmines for finding properties and getting insider tips from locals. You can also hire a real estate agent to do the legwork for you in scouting and arranging viewings for accommodation, although this will come at an additional cost. Some people moving to Minneapolis will be lucky enough to have a relocation company working on their behalf, who will assess their preferences and shortlist properties for them to view.

Useful links

• Apartments.com
• Zillow
• RentCafe
• ApartmentList

Renting property in Minneapolis

Making an application

Once you’ve found a suitable property, you’ll need to file an application via the agent or directly approach the landlord. An applicant-screening process follows, whereby certain reference and credit checks are carried out. It is usually expected that you have a combined income that is at least three times the cost of the rental rate.

Have your social security number and US bank account set up ahead of time to speed up this process. International applicants may find it helpful to provide additional documentation, such as employment letters or bank statements from their home country.

Leases

Leases are generally signed for a 12-month period, but it is possible to negotiate a shorter term or a month-to-month contract in some cases.

Deposits

A deposit of one month’s rent is usually required to secure the property and cover any damage to the property beyond normal wear and tear. Landlords are allowed to make reasonable deductions for any damages to the property, so ensure that a detailed inventory is carried out at the start and end of a tenancy agreement to avoid incurring unjust penalties.

Terminating the lease

Most leases require you to give 30 days’ written notice before moving out, although this can vary depending on your specific rental agreement. Month-to-month tenants typically need to provide one month’s notice. Breaking a lease early may result in penalties, so it’s worth discussing options with your landlord if you need to leave before your lease expires. Minneapolis tenant protection laws require landlords to make reasonable efforts to re-rent your unit if you break your lease early.

Useful links

• City Of Minneapolis: Renter Rights
• Minnesota Security Deposit Laws

Utilities in Minneapolis

It’s important to establish what utilities or services are included in your rental costs and who handles maintenance and repair responsibilities. Utilities are often something that you’re expected to arrange separately from your monthly rental fee. Minneapolis winters can be brutal, and heating bills will certainly spike during the coldest months. You should factor these seasonal costs into your budget and ensure your rental accommodation has adequate central heating before signing any lease.

Electricity and gas

Xcel Energy is the primary provider for both electricity and natural gas in Minneapolis, making it convenient to set up both services with one company. Depending on your specific location, you may have other options. CenterPoint Energy also provides natural gas to parts of the Minneapolis area, and Minnesota Energy Resources serves certain communities in the state.

In Minneapolis, natural gas is widely used for heating, cooking, and hot water, and it’s crucial for weathering Minnesota’s harsh winters. Winter utility bills can be particularly high due to heating needs, so factor this into your monthly budget planning. You’ll want to arrange a connection for both services before your move-in date to ensure heating and electricity are ready when you arrive.

Water

The City of Minneapolis provides water and sewer services directly to residents. You’ll receive a combined bill that includes both water usage and sewer charges. The city charges a base monthly fee plus usage fees based on consumption. Water service typically needs to be transferred into your name when you move, which can be done online or by phone through the city’s utility billing department.

Bins and recycling

The city of Minneapolis provides waste management services that include garbage collection, recycling, and organics recycling. You’ll pay a monthly base fee plus charges for additional services like extra garbage carts. The city provides different cart sizes to accommodate various household needs. You’re responsible for placing carts at the kerb on collection day and removing them by 7am the following morning to avoid fees.

Useful links

• Xcel Energy, CenterPoint Energy, Minnesota Energy Resources
• City Of Minneapolis: Utility Billing
• Minneapolis Garbage And Recycling Services