Renter Links

General Information
Hennepin County Housing and Shelter
Information about housing and shelter resources, fair housing, and grants and resources.

Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)
A state agency that provides some information about certain types of housing.

Housing Resource ToolBox
Housing information, particularly for older adults, people with disabilities, and the homeless.

University of Minnesota Extension Service - Families in Tough Times
The resources found on this page are designed to help families tackle tough times today and tomorrow.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development--Minnesota Office (HUD-Minnesota)
Regional Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) office

Housing in St Paul
Information from the City of St. Paul about housing.


Local Information and Referral
Disability Linkage Line
The Disability Linkage Line™ (1-866-333-2466) is a free information, referral and assistance service making it easier for people with disabilities to connect with community services and supports. (No website currently available).

MinnesotaHelp.info®
A statewide online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota identify resources

Senior LinkAge Line
Senior LinkAge Line® (1-800-333-2433) is a free, statewide telephone information and assistance service which makes it easy for older adults and their families to find community services.

United Way 2-1-1
Information about United Way's 2-1-1 Information and Referral Service and a link to the Twin Cities Beehive. From 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, United Way 2-1-1 may also have staff available to speak Hmong, Russian, Somali, and Spanish. Dial 2-1-1 or 651-291-0211 or visit the United Way 2-1-1 website


Federal Agencies
US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
The USDA oversees some rural and community development. Navigate to the Rural and Community Development pages. One useful link on the USDA website - Apartments for Rent

US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Useful links on the HUD website include:

• HUD User Data Sets Links to fair market rents and income limits.
• Housing Choice Voucher information

National Organizations and Initiatives
Don't Borrow Trouble
Freddie Mac's "Don't Borrow Trouble" campaign combats predatory lending.

Fair Housing Law
Designed to increase public awareness of the Fair Housing Act and its protections, encourage the reporting of fair housing discrimination to the appropriate agencies, and provide information and resources to help communities and institutions support individuals and families who exercise their fair housing rights.


Legal Issues and Personal Advocacy
Hennepin County Housing Court

• definitions of housing court terms
• access to a database relating to unlawful detainers (eviction actions).

HOME Line
Tenants may speak with a tenant advocate who will provide free advice regarding Minnesota landlord/tenant law. The advocate will provide practical advice on the law and offer options for resolving the problem. The Homeline Tenant Hotline is free and available to all tenants, regardless of income. Dial (612) 728-5767 in the metro or (866) 866-3546 for Greater Minnesota.

Interfaith Outreach and Community Partners
A community-based grass roots outreach organization which serves low-income families, children and individuals of eight west suburban communities -- Plymouth, Wayzata, Long Lake, Orono, Minnetonka Beach, Hamel, Medina and Medicine Lake.

LawHelpMN.org
A website helping low-income Minnesotans solve civil legal problems

Minnesota Legal Services Coalition
Referrals for Legal Services lawyers for low-income people.MHA Renters' Hotline
The Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MHA) has established a special hotline phone number for renters to find answers to common questions on subjects such as security deposits, leases, Certificates of Rent Paid, repairs and maintenance, cleaning, and giving notice to vacate. Dial 952-858-8222.

Minnesota Attorney General's Office
A state agency created to enforce Minnesota's laws.

MN Attorney General Housing Information
Offers information for tenant, landlords and homeowners, including information on home building and remodeling, buying or selling a home, and the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords.

Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Law
Offering a "Plain-Person's Guide to Minnesota Landlord-Tenant Law," a compilation of resources dealing with landlord-tenant laws in the state of Minnesota

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
Legal Assistance for low income people on critical legal problems


Resource Centers and Service Agencies
These agencies may help you with a housing search and other issues.
Lutheran Social Service (LSS)

• LSS operates a Housing Resource at 612-879-5266.
• LSS is also a provider of transitional, supportive, and permanent scattered-site housing, but requires referrals.

MNPhoneHelp.Com
A link to information about programs that provide assistance with paying phone bills.


Home Ownership

Minnesota Housing
A state agency that works through local lenders to provide financing for first-time homebuyers with fixed, below-market interest rates.

City Living Program
Information about mortgage loans and home improvement loans offered through the City of Minneapolis.

First Homes
First Homes is working to build 875 new starter homes for working families in a 30-mile radius of Rochester. In addition to the new rehab program near to downtown Rochester, First Homes has helped build single-family homes and rental units in Byron, Chatfield, Dover, Grand Meadow, Hayfield, Kasson, Pine Island, Plainview, Rochester, St. Charles and Spring Valley.

Hennepin County Housing and Shelter
Information about housing and shelter resources, fair housing, and grants and resources.

Home Buyer Funds
A clearinghouse for prospective homeowners who want to purchase a home and current homeowners who want to repair their homes.

Home Ownership Center
The Minnesota Home Ownership Center promotes sustainable home ownership for low and moderate income Minnesotans through the development and delivery of quality, standardized education, counseling and related support services.

Home Stretch
Home Ownership Center's pre-purchase education program.

Minnesota Attorney General's Office
The Homebuyer's Handbook includes information about and tips for buying a home.


Senior Housing
The following are some resources that provide information about housing for particular populations, such as people with disabilities or seniors.
A Place for Mom
A Place for Mom is a free eldercare referral service. They provide comprehensive resources about senior housing and eldercare options to seniors and families in need.

Assisted Living Facilities
Facilities information, assisted living and senior news.

BenefitsCheckUp
BenefitsCheckUp is the nation's most comprehensive Web-based service to screen for benefits programs for seniors with limited income and resources.

Aging Services of Minnesota
The Consumer Information section contains basic information on adult day care, senior housing, nursing homes, home care and other community-based services.

MinnesotaHelp.info®
A statewide online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota identify resources

Senior Housing Directory
A resource offering comprehensive information on housing and related services, particularly for seniors in Minnesota



Additional links will be added. If your organization would like to offer a link on this page please contact us. We will be happy to consider adding a link to your organization onto this page. If you are linking to our resources be aware that information within the site may move. In most cases, it may be best to simply link to HousingLink's home page.