Minnesota Community Association Laws
Common Interest Communities (MCIOA, Ch. 515B), legacy condo acts (Ch. 515 & 515A), Manufactured Home Park Lot Rentals (Ch. 327C), nonprofit corporations (Ch. 317A), Commerce & AG resources. Reference hub
Minnesota’s MCIOA (Ch. 515B) puts all common-interest communities—planned communities/HOAs, condos, and co-ops—under one statute with clear procedures for meetings, records, reserves, liens, and disclosures. Legacy condos may still track Ch. 515 or 515A, but MCIOA governs most modern issues. There’s no state run arbitration; disputes generally go through the courts. In 2025, lawmakers created a Common Interest Community Ombudsperson within the Department of Commerce to provide education and informal mediation (limited enforcement powers). Net effect: a rules-driven system with improving owner help, but enforcement remains largely owner-initiated.
At a glance
- All CIC types: MCIOA (Ch. 515B) governs HOAs (planned communities), condos, and co-ops created ≥ June 1, 1994.
- Legacy condos: Ch. 515 & 515A may apply based on creation date, but MCIOA often controls present events.
- Manufactured home parks: Ch. 327C (lot rentals) + MDH rules for park operations.
- Corporate form: Usually nonprofit under Ch. 317A (some for-profit or cooperative forms allowed by 515B.3-101).
- Regulator/resources: Dept. of Commerce (CIC Ombudsperson) & AG Consumer Assistance.
Primary Statutes
Common Interest Communities — Chapter 515B (MCIOA)
Applies to planned communities/HOAs, condos, and co-ops (modern CICs): governance, meetings, records, reserves, assessments & liens, disclosures.
Legacy Condominium Acts — Chapters 515 & 515A
Older condos may be under 515 or 515A; MCIOA still governs many events post-1994.
515: MN Revisor ·
515A: MN Revisor
Manufactured Home Park Lot Rentals — Chapter 327C
Rental agreements, fees, rent increases, in-park sales, termination, park closings, relocation trust fund.
Corporate Act — Chapter 317A (Nonprofit Corporations)
Most associations incorporate as nonprofits; 515B.3-101 allows nonprofit, for-profit, or co-op forms (co-ops under Ch. 308A/308B).
Popular Sections (direct links @ MN Revisor)
MCIOA (Ch. 515B)
- 515B.3-102 — Powers of unit owners’ association
- 515B.3-103 — Board; officers; declarant control
- 515B.3-108 — Meetings (annual & special)
- 515B.3-110 — Voting; proxies
- 515B.3-1141 — Replacement reserves
- 515B.3-1151 — Assessments (CICs on/after Aug 1, 2010)
- 515B.3-116 — Lien for assessments
- 515B.3-118 — Association records; inspection
Manufactured Home Parks (Ch. 327C)
Administrative Rules (Minnesota Rules)
Minnesota does not maintain association-specific admin rules like Florida’s FAC. Manufactured home parks have MDH rules.
CICs (HOAs/Condos/Co-ops)
- No statewide admin code for associations — rely on MCIOA Ch. 515B and governing docs.
Community Association Managers — Licensing
Is a state CAM license required?
- No dedicated state license exists for HOA/CIC managers in Minnesota. General business/real-estate laws still apply.
- Voluntary credentials: CMCA® certification.
If you need help
Governing Documents & Overlays
- Governing documents: Declaration/CC&Rs, Articles, Bylaws, Rules/Resolutions.
- Corporate overlays: Minn. Stat. Ch. 317A (members’ records, meetings, fiduciary duties, remedies).
- Federal overlays: Fair Housing Act; ADA (where applicable); FDCPA; FCC OTARD; etc.
- State/local overlays: Building codes, stormwater, local ordinances.
- Conflicts: MCIOA generally prevails over conflicting documents; consult counsel for interpretation.
Commerce & Attorney General
Minnesota Department of Commerce
Agency homepage · File a complaint
- CIC Ombudsperson: established by law in 2025 to educate & mediate (limited enforcement). Website in rollout.
- Phone (Complaints): 651-539-1600 · 800-657-3602
Office of the Minnesota Attorney General
Condo & Townhome Associations (guide)
- Consumer Assistance: 651-296-3353 · 800-657-3787
- Online Consumer Assistance Request Form
Disclaimer
This page is a general reference and not legal advice. Laws and rules change; always verify the current text on the official linked sites and consult qualified counsel for your situation.
Last updated: September 9, 2025