I clear out rentals in Minneapolis, St. Paul and the north metro after a tenant moves out: furniture, trash, appliances, the basement and the garage, so the unit is empty and ready for the next tenant or for a sale. Before anything is removed, Minnesota law sets rules for property a tenant leaves behind, so the first step is making sure the tenancy has ended and the waiting period has passed.
Can I throw out what a tenant left behind?
Not right away. Under Minnesota law, when a tenant has abandoned a unit the landlord may take possession of the property left behind but must store and care for it, and may recover reasonable removal and storage costs from the tenant. The landlord may sell or dispose of it 28 days after the landlord has actual notice of the abandonment, or 28 days after it reasonably appears the tenant abandoned the unit, whichever is later. Before a sale, the landlord must try to notify the tenant at least 14 days ahead and post a notice at the property (Minn. Stat. 504B.271). After an eviction, different steps apply (Minn. Stat. 504B.365).
How does a rental cleanout work?
- Tell me about the unit. Fill out the form and I call you back. Photos of the rooms help.
- Walk-through or photos, then a price, before any work starts.
- Anything you need kept, like the tenant's papers or items you're storing, gets set aside.
- My crew clears it, usable things are donated where possible, metal and appliances are recycled, and the unit is left empty.
Can't the city just pick it up?
Only a little at a time. As of November 2026, Minneapolis takes up to two large items a week with city garbage service, and St. Paul includes 12 bulky items per cart per year, then charges $30 per item plus tax. Buildings with five or more units use their own hauler in St. Paul. A move-out with a houseful of furniture usually needs one cleanout instead. Details: what can't go in the trash.
Selling the rental instead?
If you're done being a landlord, I also buy rentals and duplexes as-is, with tenants in place or empty. See selling a rental with tenants in Minnesota.