Even with the same rent, comparing deposits between Minneapolis and other cities reveals a clear difference. In other areas, it is common to be asked for an additional deposit of two to three times the amount if your credit score is low, but Minneapolis is different. According to the tenant protection ordinance passed by the city council, the maximum deposit is capped at one month's rent (source minneapolismn.gov, cbsnews.com, as of 2026).

Another notable aspect is the credit score itself. In most cities across the country, if your credit score is below 620, it is common to be filtered out at the application stage, but this ordinance limits management companies from rejecting applicants solely based on their credit score. They cannot use the credit score as a reason for rejection unless they can prove that it directly relates to the applicant's suitability as a tenant, and they can only cite it if the applicant has intentionally concealed their credit history (source nlihc.org, reason.com, minneapolismn.gov).

This difference becomes even clearer when compared to other cities. The national average sets a minimum standard of 620 to 650 points, and many places require a score of 680 to 700 or higher to receive favorable conditions (source experian.com, rent.com credit score guide). Minneapolis is significantly outside this framework.

However, just because there is an ordinance does not mean that screening is eliminated. Management companies still consider income, rental history, and background checks. The threshold of the credit score has simply been lowered, but the overall screening process has not become lenient. The average rent for a one-bedroom in Minneapolis is around $1,337 (source steadily.com, as of 2026), and the requirement to verify that monthly income is three times this amount is not significantly different from other cities.

The ordinance also applies to criminal record checks. Misdemeanors cannot be used as a basis for rejection after three years, and felonies cannot be used after seven years; records related to assault or robbery are subject to a ten-year limit (source minneapolismn.gov).

However, for Korean immigrant families with no credit history, it is advisable to prepare income documentation more thoroughly, regardless of this ordinance. It may be worth considering submitting a converted Korean financial history through Nova Credit or paying several months' rent in advance (source novacredit.com).

In the suburbs near Minneapolis, Korean families are often interested in school districts like Edina or Minnetonka, but these suburban areas follow the standards of their respective municipalities rather than the Minneapolis city ordinance, which may make credit score assessments more stringent. School district boundaries change frequently, so it is advisable to check the assigned school for the specific address before signing a lease.

From an investor's perspective, comparing Minneapolis to other cities changes the calculations slightly. The inability to freely use credit scores as a screening criterion may feel like a limitation for landlords, but some view it as beneficial for reducing vacancy rates since it broadens the pool of tenants. Which side is more advantageous seems to depend on the location of the property and the management style. The neighboring city of St. Paul applies its own separate city ordinance, so it is wise to check the respective screening criteria when comparing properties between the two cities. Since the ordinance was implemented, Minneapolis management companies have also been refining their income and rental history assessments.

If you want to manage your credit score itself, the basics remain the same regardless of the ordinance. Keep your credit card utilization below 30 percent, build a payment history without delinquencies, and regularly check your reports to correct any errors.

This article is not investment or legal advice, and it is recommended to consult a professional before making any actual contracts.