Subdivision 1. Procedure. (a) To bring an eviction action, the person complaining shall file a complaint with the court, stating the full name and date of birth of the person against whom the complaint is made, unless it is not known, describing the premises of which possession is claimed, stating the facts which authorize the recovery of possession, and asking for recovery thereof.

(b) The lack of the full name and date of birth of the person against whom the complaint is made does not deprive the court of jurisdiction or make the complaint invalid.

(c) The court shall issue a summons, commanding the person against whom the complaint is made to appear before the court on a day and at a place stated in the summons.

(d) The appearance shall be not less than seven nor more than 14 days from the day of issuing the summons, except as provided by subdivision 2.

(e) A copy of the complaint shall be attached to the summons, which shall state that the copy is attached and that the original has been filed.

Subd. 2. Expedited procedure. (a) In an eviction action brought under section 504B.171 or on the basis that the tenant is causing a nuisance or other illegal behavior that seriously endangers the safety of other residents, their property, or the landlord's property, the person filing the complaint shall file an affidavit stating specific facts and instances in support of why an expedited hearing is required.

(b) The complaint and affidavit shall be reviewed by a referee or judge and scheduled for an expedited hearing only if sufficient supporting facts are stated and they meet the requirements of this paragraph.

(c) The appearance in an expedited hearing shall be not less than five days nor more than seven days from the date the summons is issued. The summons, in an expedited hearing, shall be served upon the tenant within 24 hours of issuance unless the court orders otherwise for good cause shown.

(d) If the court determines that the person seeking an expedited hearing did so without sufficient basis under the requirements of this subdivision, the court shall impose a civil penalty of up to $500 for abuse of the expedited hearing process.

History: 1999 c 199 art 1 s 44; 2007 c 13 art 3 s 30