Minnesota State Real Estate Practice Test

How can a tenancy at will be terminated?

1. By giving at least one month's verbal notice

2. By mutual agreement without any notice

3. By providing written notice at least equal to the rent payment interval or three months

4. By paying all outstanding rents

The correct answer is: By providing written notice at least equal to the rent payment interval or three months

A tenancy at will can be terminated in several ways, but the most reliable method involves providing written notice that aligns with the interval of rent payments or adheres to a minimum notice period. In Minnesota, the requirement is generally that the notice must be in writing and must be at least equal to the interval for which rent is due, or at least three months if there is no defined interval. This ensures that both parties have adequate time to prepare for the termination of the tenancy, keeping the process formal and legally binding. The other options suggest different forms of notice or agreements that do not meet the legal requirements established in Minnesota law for terminating a tenancy at will. For example, a verbal notice does not provide the necessary documentation and can lead to disputes regarding the timing and agreement of the termination. Similarly, mutual agreement without notice, while theoretically possible, lacks the formal structure needed to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings, making it less reliable than providing written notice. As for paying all outstanding rents, it is often required but does not itself constitute a method of termination; rather, it addresses financial obligations that might complicate a tenant's departure.