2007 Minnesota Statutes

CHAPTER 559. ADVERSE CLAIMS TO REAL ESTATE

559.01 ACTION TO DETERMINE ADVERSE CLAIMS.
Any person in possession of real property personally or through the person's tenant, or
any other person having or claiming title to vacant or unoccupied real property, may bring an
action against another who claims an estate or interest therein, or a lien thereon, adverse to the
person bringing the action, for the purpose of determining such adverse claim and the rights
of the parties, respectively.
History: (9556) RL s 4424; 1986 c 444

559.013 STATE AS DEFENDANT.
    Subdivision 1. Service, notice to AG. The state may be made a party defendant to an action
brought under Minnesota Statutes 1949, section 559.01. In such cases where the state is made a
party the summons and complaint shall be served upon the attorney general, who shall represent
the state in the action and defend in all cases where it appears the state in fact has an interest
which will be affected. A notice directed to the attorney general shall be served with the summons
and complaint stating the nature of the claim the state makes, or appears to make.
    Subd. 2. Limitations, costs. If the state is joined in an action under subdivision 1 and
interposes an answer so that issue is joined thereon as between the plaintiff and the state, the state,
in addition to any costs to which it may be entitled under Minnesota Statutes 1949, section 549.02,
may have costs in such amount as the court allows not to exceed $50, on motion made upon not
less than two days' notice, whenever it appears that there was no reasonable ground for joining the
state, whether or not there is dismissal as to the state before final judgment.
History: 1953 c 21 s 1,2; 1955 c 332 s 1

559.02 UNKNOWN DEFENDANTS.
In any action brought under section 559.01, the plaintiff may insert in the title thereof, in
addition to the names of such persons as are known or appear of record to have some right, title,
estate, interest, or lien in or on the real property in controversy, the following: "Also all other
persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest, or lien in the real estate described in
the complaint herein." Service of the summons may be had upon all such unknown persons
defendant by publication in the same manner as against nonresident defendants, upon the filing of
an affidavit of the plaintiff, the plaintiff's agent or attorney, stating the existence of a cause of
action under section 559.01, and if in addition to the above known or unknown defendants, the
heirs of a deceased person are proper parties defendant, and their names are unknown, and such
affidavit shall further state that the heirs of such deceased person are proper parties to such action,
and that their names and residences cannot with reasonable diligence be ascertained, then service
of summons may be made on such unknown heirs by publication thereof in the same manner as
against nonresidents, and in such case the plaintiff may insert in the title thereof the following:
"Also the unknown heirs of (naming the deceased) and all other persons unknown claiming
any right, title, estate, interest, or lien in the real estate described in the complaint herein." The
plaintiff shall, before the commencement of such publication, file with the county recorder a
notice of the pendency of the action. All such unknown persons so served shall have the same
rights to appear and defend before and after judgment as would named defendants upon whom
service is made by publication, and any order or judgment in the action shall be binding upon
them, whether they be of age or minors; but, if they be minors when judgment is rendered, they
may be allowed to defend at any time within two years after becoming of age.
History: (9557) RL s 4425; 1919 c 344 s 1; 1923 c 434 s 1; 1967 c 28 s 1; 1976 c 181 s
2; 1986 c 444

559.03 DISCLAIMER; DEFAULT; COSTS.
If the defendant, in the answer, disclaims any interest in the property, or suffers judgment
to be taken against the defendant without answer, the plaintiff cannot recover costs; but if the
summons has been served upon the defendant personally, and it is made to appear that after
the accrual of the cause of action, and before commencement thereof, the plaintiff demanded
in writing of the defendant, and the defendant neglected to execute within a reasonable time
thereafter, a good and sufficient quitclaim deed of the property described in the complaint, upon
tender of such deed ready for execution, the plaintiff shall nevertheless recover costs.
History: (9558) RL s 4426; 1986 c 444

559.04 CLAIMANTS UNDER COMMON GRANTOR; JOINDER.
When lots or tracts of real estate are claimed in severalty by two or more persons from or
under conveyance from the same grantor, as the common source of title, and an adverse claim of
title thereto is made by some person as against the title of such grantor, any one claiming under
such grantor may bring an action in behalf of the grantor and all others who may come in and
become parties thereto against such adverse claimant, to have the title to such grantor perfected or
quieted as to such lots or tracts claimed by the plaintiff and the others who may become parties.
Any person who so claims under the same grantor as the plaintiff, and whose title is controverted
by the same defendant upon the same ground as the title of the plaintiff, may become a party,
as of course, by filing a complaint setting forth the property claimed and the source of title, and
may have the claimed rights adjudicated with those of the original plaintiff. The answer of the
defendant shall be taken as an answer to all who may thus become parties.
History: (9559) RL s 4427; 1986 c 444

559.05 ACTION AGAINST COTENANT; DENIAL OF RIGHT.
In an action by a tenant in common or joint tenant of real property against a cotenant, the
plaintiff shall show, in addition to the evidence of the plaintiff's right, that the defendant either
denied the plaintiff's right, or did some act amounting to such denial.
History: (9560) RL s 4428; 1986 c 444

559.06 TERMINATION OF PLAINTIFF'S RIGHT PENDING ACTION.
In an action for the recovery of real property, when the plaintiff shows a right to recover
at the time the action was commenced, but it appears that such right has terminated during the
pendency of the action, the verdict and judgment shall be according to the fact, and the plaintiff
may recover damages for withholding the property.
History: (9561) RL s 4429

559.07 EJECTMENT; TRIAL, HOW CONDUCTED; NO SECOND TRIAL.
The trial of all actions of ejectment or of any other action in the courts of this state involving
the possession of real estate shall be conducted as are other civil actions, and the right to a second
trial of such actions is hereby abolished.
History: (9562) 1911 c 139 s 1

559.08 EJECTMENT; DAMAGES; IMPROVEMENTS.
Damages for withholding the property recovered shall not exceed the fair value of the use
of the property, exclusive of the use of improvements made by the defendant, for a period not
exceeding six years; and, when permanent improvements have been made by a defendant, or
those under whom the defendant claims, holding under color of title adversely to the claims of
the plaintiff, in good faith, the value thereof shall be allowed as a set-off against the damages
of the plaintiff.
History: (9563) RL s 4432; 1986 c 444

559.09 REMOVAL OF BUILDING ERECTED IN GOOD FAITH.
When any person, in good faith and under color of title, and with good reason to believe that
the legal title to land is vested in the person, has erected any building or other structure thereon,
when the legal and equitable title thereto was vested in another, such person may remove the
same, doing no unnecessary damage, and in so doing shall be liable only for the actual damage to
the land. Such removal shall be made within 60 days after the determination adversely to that
person of any action or proceeding respecting the title, or within 60 days after notice from the
holder of the legal title to remove the same; provided, if, within 60 days after receiving such
notice, such person brings action to try such title, that person may make such removal within 60
days after the determination thereof.
History: (9564) RL s 4433; 1986 c 444

559.10 OCCUPYING CLAIMANT; COMPENSATION FOR IMPROVEMENTS.
When any person, under color of title in fee and in good faith, has peaceably taken possession
of land for which that person has given a valuable consideration, or when any person has taken
possession of land under the official deed of any person or officer empowered by law or by any
court of competent jurisdiction to sell land, and such deed is regular upon its face, and the person
has no actual notice of any defects invalidating the same, neither such person, nor the person's
heirs, representatives, or assigns, shall be ejected from such land, except as hereinafter provided,
until compensation is tendered the person or the person's heirs, representatives, or assigns for such
improvement which the person or the person's heirs, representatives, or assigns have made upon
such land previous to actual notice of the claim upon which the action is founded, or, in case of
possession under an official deed, previous to actual notice of defects invalidating the same. The
word "improvement" shall be construed to include all kinds of buildings and fences, and ditching,
draining, grubbing, clearing, breaking, and all other necessary or useful labor of permanent value
to the land. When the occupant holds as heir, devisee, or grantee, either immediate or remote, of
any person who is not a resident of the state, the good faith of the original taker shall be presumed.
History: (9565) RL s 4434; 1986 c 444

559.11 PLEADINGS; TRIAL; VERDICT.
In an action to try the title to land, brought by any person claiming title thereto against
the occupant, the occupant may, in addition to other defenses, allege the amount and value of
all improvements made, and the amount of all taxes and assessments paid, by the occupant or
those under whom the occupant claims, and, if the claim be under an official deed, the purchase
money paid therefor; and the claimant may reply, alleging the value of the premises without
improvements at the commencement of the action, and also the value of the yearly rent of the
land without improvements during the possession of the occupant. In any such action brought
by the occupant against a claimant to quiet title or to determine any adverse claim, the claimant,
in the answer in addition to setting up the claimant's title, may allege the value of the premises
without improvements at the commencement of the action, and also the value of the yearly rent of
the land without improvements during the possession of the occupant; and the occupant may, in
addition to other proper matters of reply, allege the amount and value of all improvements made,
and the amount of all taxes and assessments paid by the occupant or those under whom the
occupant claims, and, if the claim be under an official deed, the purchase money paid therefor. In
case the title be found to be in the claimant, the jury, or, if the case be tried without a jury, the
court, shall assess the value of all improvements made and taxes and assessments paid upon the
land by the occupant, or those under whom the occupant claims, with interest at six percent, and,
if the occupant claims under an official deed, regular upon its face, and without actual notice of
any defect invalidating it, shall also find the purchase money paid by the occupant, or those under
whom the occupant claims, with interest at six percent; and the jury or court shall also assess the
value of the land at the commencement of the action, without improvements, and also the value
of the yearly rent thereof during the occupant's possession. If the land has depreciated in value
since its purchase at an official sale, the jury or court may allow such part only of the purchase
money as, in their discretion, they may see fit.
History: (9566) RL s 4435; 1986 c 444

559.12 COMPENSATION BEFORE EXECUTION.
If the claimant succeed in the action, execution for possession shall not issue, except as
herein provided, unless, within one year from entry of judgment on the verdict or findings, the
claimant pay into court for the occupant the amount so found as the value of the improvements,
and also the amount of the taxes and assessments, and also the purchase money, if the occupant
claim under an official deed as aforesaid, with interest thereon, as aforesaid, less the assessed
value of the yearly rent of the land without the improvements during the occupant's possession.
History: (9567) RL s 4436

559.13 OCCUPANT TO PAY VALUE OF LAND, WHEN.
Unless the occupant claims under an official deed given either to the occupant or those under
whom the occupant claims, as hereinbefore provided, or under an entry in the land office of the
United States, or the official certificate, duplicate or receipt thereof, or unless the claimant has had
notice, actual or constructive, of the occupant's possession, the claimant may, within 30 days after
entry of judgment on the verdict or findings in the claimant's favor, serve upon the occupant a
written demand that within one year the occupant pay the claimant the sum assessed as the value
of the land without the improvements, less the taxes and assessments paid thereon as aforesaid,
with interest as aforesaid. Such demand shall be served, and the service proved, as in the case of a
summons, and shall then be filed with the court administrator. If the occupant does not within one
year after such service pay into court the amount so demanded, the occupant shall forfeit all claim
to compensation, and execution may then issue for the possession of the land; but, if the occupant
do so pay, the court shall by judgment confirm the title in the occupant.
History: (9568) RL s 4437; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 3 art 1 s 82

559.14 MAY REMOVE CROPS.
In case of ejection, the occupant shall be entitled to enter upon the land, and gather and
remove all crops sown thereon prior to entry of judgment.
History: (9569) RL s 4438; 1986 c 444

559.15 OCCUPANT NOT IN ACTUAL POSSESSION; ACTIONS IN OTHER FORM.
All the provisions of sections 559.10 to 559.14 shall apply to cases where the occupant is
or is not in actual possession. In case an action is brought for damages for trespass upon such
land, or for the rents and profits or use and occupation thereof, or in any other form, if the action
is one in effect to test the validity of the title thereto, all said sections shall, so far as possible,
be complied with; and the value of all improvements, taxes, and assessments, and the purchase
money in case the occupant claims under an official deed, with interest as aforesaid, shall be set
off against any judgment for money that the claimant may obtain; and, if any excess remain in
favor of the occupant after such setoff, such excess may be set-off against any judgment that the
claimant, or those claiming under the claimant, may subsequently obtain in any such or similar
action relating to the same land.
History: (9570) RL s 4439; 1986 c 444

559.16 ORDER FOR SURVEY.
When an action for the recovery of real property is pending, upon motion of either party,
and for cause shown, the court may make an order describing the property, and allowing such
party to enter thereon and make survey thereof for the purpose of the action. A copy of the order
shall be served on the owner or occupant, and thereupon such party may enter upon the property,
with necessary surveyors and assistants, and make such survey; but, if any unnecessary injury is
done to the property, the party is liable therefor.
History: (9571) RL s 4440; 1986 c 444

559.17 MORTGAGE NOT A CONVEYANCE; MORTGAGEE CANNOT POSSESS.
    Subdivision 1. Enforcement of rent assignment. A mortgage of real property is not to be
deemed a conveyance, so as to enable the owner of the mortgage to recover possession of the
real property without a foreclosure, except as permitted in subdivision 2. The enforcement of
an assignment of rents of the type described in subdivision 2 shall not be deemed prohibited
by this subdivision, nor because a foreclosure sale under the mortgage has extinguished all or
part of the mortgage debt.
    Subd. 2. Assignment; conditions. A mortgagor may assign, as additional security for the
debt secured by the mortgage, the rents and profits from the mortgaged real property, if the
mortgage:
(1) was executed, modified or amended subsequent to August 1, 1977;
(2) secured an original principal amount of $100,000 or more or is a lien upon residential
real estate containing more than four dwelling units; and
(3) is not a lien upon property which was:
(i) entirely homesteaded as agricultural property; or
(ii) residential real estate containing four or fewer dwelling units where at least one of the
units is homesteaded. The assignment may be enforced, but only against the nonhomestead
portion of the mortgaged property, as follows:
(a) if, by the terms of an assignment, a receiver is to be appointed upon the occurrence of
some specified event, and a showing is made that the event has occurred, the court shall, without
regard to waste, adequacy of the security, or solvency of the mortgagor, appoint a receiver who
shall, with respect to the excess cash remaining after application as provided in section 576.01,
subdivision 2 , apply it as prescribed by the assignment. If the assignment so provides, the receiver
shall apply the excess cash in the manner set out herein from the date of appointment through the
entire redemption period from any foreclosure sale. Subject to the terms of the assignment, the
receiver shall have the powers and duties as set forth in section 576.01, subdivision 2; or
(b) if no provision is made for the appointment of a receiver in the assignment or if by the
terms of the assignment a receiver may be appointed, the assignment shall be binding upon the
assignor unless or until a receiver is appointed without regard to waste, adequacy of the security
or solvency of the mortgagor, but only in the event of default in the terms and conditions of the
mortgage, and only in the event the assignment requires the holder thereof to first apply the rents
and profits received as provided in section 576.01, subdivision 2, in which case the same shall
operate against and be binding upon the occupiers of the premises from the date of recording by
the holder of the assignment in the office of the county recorder or the office of the registrar
of titles for the county in which the property is located of a notice of default in the terms and
conditions of the mortgage and service of a copy of the notice upon the occupiers of the premises.
The holder of the assignment shall apply the rents and profits received in accordance with the
terms of the assignment, and, if the assignment so provides, for the entire redemption period from
any foreclosure sale. A holder of an assignment who enforces it in accordance with this clause
shall not be deemed to be a mortgagee in possession with attendant liability.
Nothing contained herein shall prohibit the right to reinstate the mortgage debt granted
pursuant to section 580.30, nor the right to redeem granted pursuant to sections 580.23 and
581.10, and any excess cash, as that term is used herein, collected by the receiver under clause (a),
or any rents and profits taken by the holder of the assignment under clause (b), shall be credited to
the amount required to be paid to effect a reinstatement or redemption.
    Subd. 3. Expiration, satisfaction, release, and assignment. (a) An assignment of rents and
profits under this section, whether in the mortgage or in a separate instrument, shall expire:
(1) with respect to the rents and profits from all of the mortgaged property, when an action or
proceeding to foreclose the mortgage is barred by section 541.03, or upon recording in the office
of the county recorder or in the office of the registrar of titles of the county where the mortgaged
property is located, of a satisfaction of the mortgage or a certificate of release complying with
section 507.401 in lieu of a satisfaction of the mortgage; or
(2) with respect to the rents and profits from a portion of the mortgaged property, upon
recording in the office of the county recorder or the registrar of titles of the county where that
portion of the mortgaged property is located, of a release of that portion of the mortgaged property
from the lien of the mortgage, or a certificate of release complying with section 507.401 in lieu of
a release of that portion of the mortgaged property.
No separate reassignment of the rents and profits or satisfaction or release of the assignment is
required.
(b) An assignment of a mortgage, whether or not the mortgage mentions an assignment of
rents and profits, is sufficient to assign both the mortgage and the assignment of rents and profits
permitted by this subdivision which secures the debt secured by the mortgage, and no separate
assignment of the assignment of rents and profits shall be required.
History: (9572) RL s 4441; 1969 c 711 s 1; 1977 c 202 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1992 c 376 art 2 s 1;
1993 c 6 s 2; 2000 c 450 s 6; 2003 c 5 art 2 s 3; 2005 c 4 s 133,134

559.18 CONVEYANCE BY MORTGAGOR TO MORTGAGEE.
No conveyance absolute in form between parties sustaining the relation of mortgagor and
mortgagee, whereby the mortgagor or the mortgagor's successor in interest conveys any right, title
or interest in real property theretofore mortgaged, shall be presumed to have been given as further
security, or as a new form of security, for the payment of any existing mortgage indebtedness, or
any other indebtedness, or as security for any purpose.
History: (9573) 1913 c 209 s 1; 1986 c 444

559.19 ACTION TO DECLARE MORTGAGE; LIMITATION.
No action to declare any such conveyance a mortgage shall be maintained unless commenced
within 15 years from the time of execution thereof.
History: (9574) 1913 c 209 s 2

559.20 APPLICATION.
Sections 559.18 and 559.19 shall apply to all conveyances past and future.
History: (9575) 1913 c 209 s 3

559.205 CONTRACTS FOR DEED; MODIFICATION.
Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a renegotiated contract for deed or an agreement
modifying the terms of a contract for deed which was valid at its inception shall not be construed
as creating a mortgage or an equitable mortgage. This section does not modify any other
requirements relating to contracts for deed.
History: 1982 c 500 s 2

559.209 MEDIATION NOTICE AND CONDITIONS FOR AGRICULTURAL PROPERTY.
    Subdivision 1. Requirement. A person may not begin to terminate a contract for deed
under section 559.21 to purchase agricultural property subject to sections 583.20 to 583.32 for a
remaining balance on the contract of more than $5,000 unless: (1) a mediation notice is served on
the contract for deed purchaser after a default has occurred under the contract and a copy served
on the director and the contract for deed vendor and purchaser have completed mediation under
sections 583.20 to 583.32; or (2) as otherwise allowed under sections 583.20 to 583.32.
    Subd. 2. Contents. A mediation notice must contain the following notice with the blanks
properly filled in.
"TO: ....(Name of Contract for Deed Purchaser)....
YOU HAVE DEFAULTED ON THE CONTRACT FOR DEED OF THE AGRICULTURAL
PROPERTY DESCRIBED AS ....(Size and Reasonable Location of Property, Not Legal
Description)....
AS THE CONTRACT FOR DEED VENDOR, ....(Contract for Deed Vendor).... INTENDS
TO TERMINATE THE CONTRACT AND TAKE BACK THE PROPERTY.
YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE THE CONTRACT FOR DEED DEBT REVIEWED
FOR MEDIATION. IF YOU REQUEST MEDIATION, A DEBT THAT IS IN DEFAULT WILL
BE MEDIATED ONLY ONCE. IF YOU DO NOT REQUEST MEDIATION, THIS DEBT WILL
NOT BE SUBJECT TO FUTURE MEDIATION IF THE CONTRACT FOR DEED VENDOR
BEGINS REMEDIES TO ENFORCE THE DEBT.
IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, THE DIRECTOR OF THE AGRICULTURAL
EXTENSION SERVICE WILL PROVIDE AN ORIENTATION MEETING AND A
FINANCIAL ANALYST TO HELP YOU PREPARE FINANCIAL INFORMATION. IF YOU
DECIDE TO PARTICIPATE IN MEDIATION, IT WILL BE TO YOUR ADVANTAGE TO
ASSEMBLE YOUR FARM FINANCE AND OPERATION RECORDS AND TO CONTACT A
COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. MEDIATION WILL ATTEMPT
TO ARRIVE AT AN AGREEMENT FOR HANDLING FUTURE FINANCIAL RELATIONS.
TO HAVE THE CONTRACT FOR DEED DEBT REVIEWED FOR MEDIATION YOU
MUST FILE A MEDIATION REQUEST WITH THE DIRECTOR WITHIN 14 DAYS AFTER
YOU RECEIVE THE NOTICE. THE MEDIATION REQUEST FORM IS AVAILABLE AT
ANY COUNTY EXTENSION OFFICE.
FROM: ....(Name and Address of Contract for Deed Vendor)...."
History: 1986 c 398 art 1 s 3,18; 1987 c 292 s 7,37; 1989 c 350 art 16 s 8; 1990 c 525 s 1;
1991 c 208 s 2; 1Sp1993 c 2 art 6 s 2; 1995 c 212 art 2 s 11; 1997 c 183 art 3 s 29; 1998 c 395 s
7; 1998 c 402 s 6; 1999 c 214 art 2 s 19; 2001 c 195 art 1 s 23; 1Sp2001 c 1 art 2 s 25; 1Sp2001 c
2 s 150; 2005 c 4 s 135; 2005 c 107 art 2 s 55

NOTE: This section expires June 30, 2009. Section 583.215, as added by Laws 2005,
chapter 107, article 2, section 55.

559.2091 [Repealed, 2001 c 57 s 7]

559.21 CONTRACT TERMINATION; NOTICE; SERVICE; COSTS; CONDITIONS.
    Subdivision 1.[Repealed, 1Sp1985 c 18 s 16]
    Subd. 1a.[Repealed, 1Sp1985 c 18 s 16]
    Subd. 1b. For contract executed before 8/2/1976. If a default occurs in the conditions of
a contract for the conveyance of real estate or an interest in real estate executed on or prior to
August 1, 1976, that gives the seller a right to terminate it, the seller may terminate the contract
by serving upon the purchaser or the purchaser's personal representatives or assigns, within or
outside the state, a notice specifying the conditions in which default has been made. The notice
must state that the contract will terminate 30 days after the service of the notice, unless prior to
the termination date the purchaser:
(1) complies with the conditions in default;
(2) pays the costs of service of the notice, including the reasonable costs of service by sheriff,
public officer, or private process server; except payment of costs of service is not required unless
the seller notifies the purchaser of the actual costs of service by certified mail to the purchaser's
last known address at least ten days prior to the date of termination; and
(3) pays an amount to apply on attorneys' fees actually expended or incurred, of $50 if the
amount in default is less than $500, and of $100 if the amount in default is $500 or more; except
no amount is required to be paid for attorneys' fees unless some part of the conditions of default
has existed for at least 45 days prior to the date of service of the notice.
    Subd. 1c. For contract executed before 5/1/1980. If a default occurs in the conditions of
a contract for the conveyance of real estate or an interest in real estate executed after August
1, 1976, and prior to May 1, 1980, that gives the seller a right to terminate it, the seller may
terminate the contract by serving upon the purchaser or the purchaser's personal representatives or
assigns, within or outside the state, a notice specifying the conditions in which default has been
made. The notice must state that the contract will terminate 30 days after the service of the notice
if the purchaser has paid less than 30 percent of the purchase price, 45 days after service of the
notice if the purchaser has paid 30 percent or more of the purchase price but less than 50 percent,
or 60 days after service of the notice if the purchaser has paid 50 percent or more of the purchase
price; unless prior to the termination date the purchaser:
(1) complies with the conditions in default;
(2) pays the costs of service of the notice, including the reasonable costs of service by sheriff,
public officer, or private process server; except payment of costs of service is not required unless
the seller notifies the purchaser of the actual costs of service by certified mail to the purchaser's
last known address at least ten days prior to the date of termination; and
(3) pays an amount to apply on attorneys' fees actually expended or incurred, of $75 if the
amount in default is less than $750, and of $200 if the amount in default is $750 or more; except
no amount is required to be paid for attorneys' fees unless some part of the conditions of default
has existed for at least 45 days prior to the date of service of the notice.
    Subd. 1d. For contract executed before 8/1/1985. If a default occurs in the conditions of a
contract for the conveyance of real estate or an interest in real estate executed on or after May
1, 1980 and prior to August 1, 1985, that gives the seller a right to terminate it, the seller may
terminate the contract by serving upon the purchaser or the purchaser's personal representatives or
assigns, within or outside the state, a notice specifying the conditions in which default has been
made. The notice must state that the contract will terminate 30 days after the service of the notice
if the purchaser has paid less than ten percent of the purchase price, 60 days after service of the
notice if the purchaser has paid ten percent or more of the purchase price but less than 25 percent,
or 90 days after service of the notice if the purchaser has paid 25 percent or more of the purchase
price; unless prior to the termination date the purchaser:
(1) complies with the conditions in default;
(2) makes all payments due and owing to the seller under the contract through the date
that payment is made;
(3) pays the costs of service of the notice, including the reasonable costs of service by sheriff,
public officer, or private process server; except payment of costs of service is not required unless
the seller notifies the purchaser of the actual costs of service by certified mail to the purchaser's
last known address at least ten days prior to the date of termination; and
(4) pays an amount to apply on attorneys' fees actually expended or incurred, of $125 if the
amount in default is less than $750, and of $250 if the amount in default is $750 or more; except
no amount is required to be paid for attorneys' fees unless some part of the conditions of default
has existed for at least 45 days prior to the date of service of the notice.
    Subd. 1e. Determination of purchase price. For purposes of determining the purchase price
and the amount of the purchase price paid on contracts executed prior to August 1, 1985:
(a) The purchase price is the sale price under the contract alleged to be in default, including
the initial down payment. Mortgages, prior contracts for deed, special assessments, delinquent
real estate taxes, or other obligations or encumbrances assumed by the purchaser are excluded
in determining the purchase price.
(b) The amount paid by the purchaser is the total of payments of principal made under the
contract alleged to be in default, including the initial down payment. Interest payments and
payments made under mortgages, prior contracts for deed, special assessments, delinquent real
estate taxes, or other obligations or encumbrances assumed by the purchaser are excluded in
determining the amount paid by the purchaser.
    Subd. 2.[Repealed, 1Sp1985 c 18 s 16]
    Subd. 2a. For post 7/31/1985 contract. If a default occurs in the conditions of a contract for
the conveyance of real estate or an interest in real estate executed on or after August 1, 1985, that
gives the seller a right to terminate it, the seller may terminate the contract by serving upon the
purchaser or the purchaser's personal representatives or assigns, within or outside of the state, a
notice specifying the conditions in which default has been made. The notice must state that the
contract will terminate 60 days, or a shorter period allowed in subdivision 4, after the service of
the notice, unless prior to the termination date the purchaser:
(1) complies with the conditions in default;
(2) makes all payments due and owing to the seller under the contract through the date
that payment is made;
(3) pays the costs of service of the notice, including the reasonable costs of service by sheriff,
public officer, or private process server; except payment of costs of service is not required unless
the seller notifies the purchaser of the actual costs of service by certified mail to the purchaser's
last known address at least ten days prior to the date of termination;
(4) except for earnest money contracts, purchase agreements, and exercised options, pays two
percent of any amount in default at the time of service, not including the final balloon payment,
any taxes, assessments, mortgages, or prior contracts that are assumed by the purchaser; and
(5) if the contract is executed on or after August 1, 1999, pays an amount to apply on
attorneys' fees actually expended or incurred, of $250 if the amount in default is less than $1,000,
and of $500 if the amount in default is $1,000 or more; or if the contract is executed before
August 1, 1999, pays an amount to apply on attorneys' fees actually expended or incurred, of $125
if the amount in default is less than $750, and of $250 if the amount in default is $750 or more;
except that no amount for attorneys' fees is required to be paid unless some part of the conditions
of default has existed for at least 30 days prior to the date of service of the notice.
    Subd. 3. Notice defined. For purposes of this section, the term "notice" means a writing
stating the information required in this section, stating the name, address and telephone number of
the seller or of an attorney authorized by the seller to accept payments pursuant to the notice and
the fact that the person named is authorized to receive the payments, stating a mailing address and
a street address or location where the seller or the attorney will accept payment pursuant to the
notice, and including the following information in 12-point or larger underlined upper-case type,
or 8-point type if published, or in large legible handwritten letters:
THIS NOTICE IS TO INFORM YOU THAT BY THIS NOTICE THE SELLER HAS
BEGUN PROCEEDINGS UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 559.21, TO
TERMINATE YOUR CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF YOUR PROPERTY FOR THE
REASONS SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE. THE CONTRACT WILL TERMINATE ..... DAYS
AFTER (SERVICE OF THIS NOTICE UPON YOU) (THE FIRST DATE OF PUBLICATION
OF THIS NOTICE) (STRIKE ONE) UNLESS BEFORE THEN:
(a) THE PERSON AUTHORIZED IN THIS NOTICE TO RECEIVE PAYMENTS
RECEIVES FROM YOU:
(1) THE AMOUNT THIS NOTICE SAYS YOU OWE; PLUS
(2) THE COSTS OF SERVICE (TO BE SENT TO YOU); PLUS
(3) $........... TO APPLY TO ATTORNEYS' FEES ACTUALLY EXPENDED OR
INCURRED; PLUS
(4) FOR CONTRACTS EXECUTED ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 1980, ANY ADDITIONAL
PAYMENTS BECOMING DUE UNDER THE CONTRACT TO THE SELLER AFTER THIS
NOTICE WAS SERVED ON YOU; PLUS
(5) FOR CONTRACTS, OTHER THAN EARNEST MONEY CONTRACTS, PURCHASE
AGREEMENTS, AND EXERCISED OPTIONS, EXECUTED ON OR AFTER AUGUST
1, 1985, $.... (WHICH IS TWO PERCENT OF THE AMOUNT IN DEFAULT AT THE
TIME OF SERVICE OTHER THAN THE FINAL BALLOON PAYMENT, ANY TAXES,
ASSESSMENTS, MORTGAGES, OR PRIOR CONTRACTS THAT ARE ASSUMED BY
YOU); OR
(b) YOU SECURE FROM A COUNTY OR DISTRICT COURT AN ORDER THAT
THE TERMINATION OF THE CONTRACT BE SUSPENDED UNTIL YOUR CLAIMS OR
DEFENSES ARE FINALLY DISPOSED OF BY TRIAL, HEARING OR SETTLEMENT.
YOUR ACTION MUST SPECIFICALLY STATE THOSE FACTS AND GROUNDS THAT
DEMONSTRATE YOUR CLAIMS OR DEFENSES.
IF YOU DO NOT DO ONE OR THE OTHER OF THE ABOVE THINGS WITHIN THE
TIME PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE, YOUR CONTRACT WILL TERMINATE
AT THE END OF THE PERIOD AND YOU WILL LOSE ALL THE MONEY YOU HAVE
PAID ON THE CONTRACT; YOU WILL LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO POSSESSION OF THE
PROPERTY; YOU MAY LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO ASSERT ANY CLAIMS OR DEFENSES
THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE; AND YOU WILL BE EVICTED. IF YOU HAVE ANY
QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS NOTICE, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY.
    Subd. 4. Law prevails over contract; procedure; conditions. (a) The notice required by
this section must be given notwithstanding any provisions in the contract to the contrary, except
that earnest money contracts, purchase agreements, and exercised options that are subject to this
section may, unless by their terms they provide for a longer termination period, be terminated
on 30 days' notice, or may be canceled under section 559.217. The notice must be served within
the state in the same manner as a summons in the district court, and outside of the state, in the
same manner, and without securing any sheriff's return of not found, making any preliminary
affidavit, mailing a copy of the notice or doing any other preliminary act or thing whatsoever.
Service of the notice outside of the state may be proved by the affidavit of the person making the
same, made before an authorized officer having a seal, and within the state by such an affidavit or
by the return of the sheriff of any county therein.
(b) If a person to be served is a resident individual who has departed from the state, or
cannot be found in the state; or is a nonresident individual or a foreign corporation, partnership,
or association, service may be made by publication as provided in this paragraph. Three weeks'
published notice has the same effect as personal service of the notice. The published notice must
comply with subdivision 3 and state (1) that the person to be served is allowed 90 days after the
first date of publication of the notice to comply with the conditions of the contract, and (2) that the
contract will terminate 90 days after the first date of publication of the notice, unless before the
termination date the purchaser complies with the notice. If the real estate described in the contract
is actually occupied, then, in addition to publication, a person in possession must be personally
served, in like manner as the service of a summons in a civil action in state district court, within
30 days after the first date of publication of the notice. If an address of a person to be served is
known, then within 30 days after the first date of publication of the notice a copy of the notice
must be mailed to the person's last known address by first class mail, postage prepaid.
(c) The contract is reinstated if, within the time mentioned, the person served:
(1) complies with the conditions in default;
(2) if subdivision 1d or 2a applies, makes all payments due and owing to the seller under the
contract through the date that payment is made;
(3) pays the costs of service as provided in subdivision 1b, 1c, 1d, or 2a;
(4) if subdivision 2a applies, pays two percent of the amount in default, not including the
final balloon payment, any taxes, assessments, mortgages, or prior contracts that are assumed
by the purchaser; and
(5) pays attorneys' fees as provided in subdivision 1b, 1c, 1d, or 2a.
(d) The contract is terminated if the provisions of paragraph (c) are not met.
(e) In the event that the notice was not signed by an attorney for the seller and the seller is
not present in the state, or cannot be found in the state, then compliance with the conditions
specified in the notice may be made by paying to the court administrator of the district court in the
county wherein the real estate or any part thereof is situated any money due and filing proof of
compliance with other defaults specified, and the court administrator of the district court shall
be deemed the agent of the seller for such purposes. A copy of the notice with proof of service
thereof, and the affidavit of the seller, the seller's agent or attorney, showing that the purchaser has
not complied with the terms of the notice, may be recorded with the county recorder or registrar
of titles, and is prima facie evidence of the facts stated in it; but this section in no case applies to
contracts for the sale or conveyance of lands situated in another state or in a foreign country. If the
notice is served by publication, the affidavit must state that the affiant believes that the party to be
served is not a resident of the state, or cannot be found in the state, and either that the affiant has
mailed a copy of the notice by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the party's last known address,
or that such address is not known to the affiant.
    Subd. 5. If required, notify commissioner. When required by and in the manner provided
in section 270C.63, subdivision 11, the notice required by this section shall also be given to the
commissioner of revenue.
    Subd. 6.[Repealed, 1983 c 215 s 16; 1984 c 474 s 7; 1985 c 306 s 26; 1987 c 292 s 36;
1989 c 350 art 16 s 7]
    Subd. 7. Cancellation of land sale. The state of Minnesota shall cancel any sale of land
made by the state under an installment contract upon default therein only in accord with the
provisions of this section.
    Subd. 8. Attorney as agent for service. Any attorney expressly authorized by the seller
to receive payments in the notice of termination under this section is designated as the attorney
who may receive service as agent for the seller of all summons, complaints, orders, and motions
made in conjunction with an action by the purchaser to restrain the termination. Service in the
action may be made upon the seller by mailing a copy of the process to the seller or to the seller's
attorney, by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the address stated in the notice where payments
will be accepted.
History: (9576) RL s 4442; 1913 c 136 s 1; 1915 c 200 s 1; 1925 c 163 s 1; 1959 c 618
s 1; 1961 c 270 s 1; 1976 c 181 s 2; 1976 c 240 s 1; 1980 c 373 s 6; 1982 c 500 s 3,4; 1982 c
523 art 2 s 47; 1983 c 215 s 2; 1983 c 342 art 15 s 38; 1984 c 474 s 2; 1985 c 300 s 29; 1985 c
306 s 7; 1Sp1985 c 16 art 2 s 44; 1Sp1985 c 18 s 6-10,16; 1986 c 438 s 1-8; 1Sp1986 c 3 art
1 s 82; 1992 c 463 s 30,31; 1994 c 388 art 2 s 1-3; 1999 c 11 art 4 s 4; 2004 c 203 art 1 s 9;
2005 c 4 s 136; 2005 c 151 art 2 s 17

559.211 RESTRAINING, ENJOINING PROCEEDINGS TO TERMINATE.
    Subdivision 1. Order; proceedings; security. In an action arising under or in relation to a
contract for the conveyance of real estate or any interest therein, the district court, notwithstanding
the service or publication pursuant to the provisions of section 559.21 of a notice of termination
of the contract, has the authority at any time prior to the effective date of termination of the
contract and subject to the requirements of Rule 65 of the Rules of Civil Procedure for the District
Courts to enter an order temporarily restraining or enjoining further proceedings to effectuate
the termination of the contract, including recording of the notice of termination with proof of
service, recording of an affidavit showing noncompliance with the terms of the notice, taking
any action to recover possession of the real estate, or otherwise interfering with the purchaser's
lawful use of the real estate. In the action, the purchaser may plead affirmatively any matter that
would constitute a defense to an action to terminate the contract. Upon a motion for a temporary
restraining order the court has the discretion, notwithstanding any rule of court to the contrary, to
grant the order without requiring the giving of any security or undertaking, and in exercising that
discretion, the court shall consider, as one factor, the moving party's ability to afford monetary
security. Upon a motion for a temporary injunction, the court shall condition the granting of the
order either upon the tender to the court or vendor of installments as they become due under
the contract or upon the giving of other security in a sum as the court deems proper. Upon
written application, the court may disburse from payments tendered to the court an amount the
court determines necessary to insure the timely payment of property taxes, property insurance,
installments of special assessments, mortgage installments, prior contract for deed installments or
other similar expenses directly affecting the real estate, or for any other purpose the court deems
just. If a temporary restraining order or injunction is granted pursuant to this subdivision, the
contract shall not terminate until the expiration of 15 days after the entry of the order or decision
dissolving or modifying the temporary restraining order or injunction.
    Subd. 2. Remedies additional. The remedies provided in this section are in addition to and
do not limit other rights or remedies available to purchasers or vendors of real estate.
    Subd. 3. Applicability. This section is applicable to contracts for the conveyance of real
estate or any interest therein executed before, on and after May 1, 1980.
History: 1980 c 373 s 7; 1998 c 254 art 2 s 61

559.213 PRIMA FACIE EVIDENCE OF TERMINATION.
The recording, heretofore or hereafter, of the copy of notice of default, proof of service
thereof, and the affidavit showing that the purchaser has not complied with the terms of the notice,
provided for by Minnesota Statutes 1941, section 559.21, shall be prima facie evidence that the
contract referred to in such notice has been terminated.
History: 1945 c 406 s 1

559.214 SUPPLEMENTARY AFFIDAVIT.
In any instance where such copy of notice, proof of service thereof and affidavit have been or
shall hereafter be recorded, the vendor or the vendor's successors or assigns may record with the
county recorder a supplementary affidavit, verified by a person shown by such supplementary
affidavit to have knowledge of the facts, showing that the purchaser under the contract referred to
in such notice and the purchaser's personal representatives, successors and assigns, if any, have
abandoned the real estate referred to in such contract and that such abandonment has continued for
at least six consecutive years after such termination proceedings and next prior to the recording of
the supplementary affidavit. The recording of the supplementary affidavit shall be prima facie
evidence that the real estate has been abandoned and the contract terminated, notwithstanding
defects, substantial or otherwise, in the termination proceedings, including the defect occasioned
by lapse of less than 30 days between the date of service of notice of termination of the contract
and the date of beginning of any moratorium. Such supplementary affidavit may be verified by the
vendor or the vendor's successor or assigns in person or by an agent or attorney.
History: 1945 c 406 s 2; 1976 c 181 s 2; 1986 c 444

559.215 VALIDATING TERMINATIONS OF CONTRACT OF SALE.
Every termination of a contract for the conveyance of real property or an interest in real
property is legal and valid after the expiration of the period specified in section 559.216 as against
the following objections:
(1) that prior to the service of notice of termination, no mortgage registration tax was paid on
the contract, or an insufficient registration tax was paid on the contract;
(2) that the notice:
(i) did not correctly state the amount of attorney fees;
(ii) failed to state or incorrectly stated the names of one or more of the sellers, or the
sellers' successors or assigns, or incorrectly described the interest or representative capacity of
the person giving the notice;
(iii) was printed or typed in an incorrect type size;
(iv) incorrectly stated the number of days after service that the contract will terminate,
provided that the number of days stated is not less than 30 days; or
(v) did not correctly state the two percent amount required to be paid by section 559.21,
subdivision 2a , clause (4);
(3) that the cancellation was commenced by less than all sellers; or
(4) that in the case of a termination by publication the notice was not served on all persons in
possession of the real estate, provided it was served on at least one of those persons.
History: 1990 c 575 s 8; 1996 c 338 art 1 s 11

559.216 APPLICATION OF CURATIVE PROVISIONS.
    Subdivision 1. Expiration periods. Upon expiration of the periods specified in this section,
the provisions of section 559.215 apply to a termination of a contract for the conveyance of real
property or an interest in real property subject to this section:
(1) as to section 559.215, clause (2), item (iv), and clause (3), five years after the last day
of the correct reinstatement period of the purchaser or the purchaser's personal representatives
or assigns; and
(2) as to all other provisions of section 559.215, one year after the last day of the
reinstatement period of the purchaser or the purchaser's personal representatives or assigns.
    Subd. 2. Pending and newly commenced actions. This section and section 559.215, as
enacted by Laws 1990, chapter 575, sections 8 and 9, do not affect any action or proceeding
pending on August 1, 1990, or commenced before February 1, 1991, involving the validity of the
termination or conveyance.
The amendments to this section and section 559.215 by Laws 1996, chapter 338, article 1,
shall not affect any action pending on August 1, 1996, or that is commenced before February 1,
1997, involving the validity of the termination or conveyance.
History: 1990 c 575 s 9; 1996 c 338 art 1 s 12

559.217 CANCELLATION OF RESIDENTIAL PURCHASE AGREEMENT.
    Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the terms defined in this
subdivision have the meanings given.
(b) "Purchase agreement" means an earnest money contract, purchase agreement, or
exercised option whether or not the instrument is subject to section 559.21.
(c) "Residential real property" means real property, including vacant land, occupied by, or
intended to be occupied by, in the aggregate, one to four families as their residence.
(d) "Suspend" means to temporarily or permanently restrain or enjoin a cancellation
proceeding under subdivision 3 or 4 pursuant to the provisions of section 559.211.
    Subd. 2. Use of this section. Either the purchaser or the seller may cancel a purchase
agreement for residential real property under this section. If either a seller or purchaser initiates
a cancellation proceeding under this section and before completion of the proceeding the other
party to the purchase agreement initiates a cancellation proceeding under this section, whether
under subdivision 3 or 4, the purchase agreement is deemed canceled as of the date the second
cancellation notice is served upon the other party to the purchase agreement under this section.
Either party may later pursue legal remedies at law to recover the earnest money. A court shall
make a determination of which party is entitled to the earnest money without regard to which
party first initiated the cancellation proceeding and may consider the terms of the canceled
purchase agreement in making its determination.
    Subd. 3. Cancellation with right to cure. (a) If a default occurs or an unfulfilled condition
exists after the date specified for fulfillment in the terms of a purchase agreement for the
conveyance of residential real property, which does not by its terms cancel the purchase
agreement, the purchaser or the seller may initiate a cancellation by serving upon the other party
to the purchase agreement and any third party that is holding earnest money under the purchase
agreement a notice:
(1) specifying the residential real property that is the subject of the purchase agreement,
including the legal description;
(2) specifying the purchase agreement by date and names of parties, and the unfulfilled
condition or default; and
(3) stating that the purchase agreement will be canceled 15 days after service of the notice
upon the other party to the purchase agreement unless prior to the cancellation date the party upon
whom the notice is served complies with the conditions in default and completes the unfulfilled
conditions, including, if applicable, completion of the purchase or sale of the residential real
property according to the terms of the purchase agreement.
(b) The notice must be served in the manner provided in section 559.21, subdivision 4,
paragraphs (a) and (b). The notice required by this subdivision must be given notwithstanding any
provisions in the purchase agreement to the contrary.
(c) The purchase agreement is canceled unless, within 15 days after the service of the notice
upon the other party to the purchase agreement, the party upon whom the notice was served fully
complies with the conditions in default and completes the unfulfilled conditions or secures from a
court an order suspending the cancellation.
    Subd. 4. Declaratory cancellation. (a) If an unfulfilled condition exists after the date
specified for fulfillment in the terms of a purchase agreement for the conveyance of residential
real property, which by the terms of the purchase agreement cancels the purchase agreement,
either the purchaser or the seller may confirm the cancellation by serving upon the other party
to the purchase agreement and any third party that is holding earnest money under the purchase
agreement a notice:
(1) specifying the residential real property that is the subject of the purchase agreement,
including the legal description;
(2) specifying the purchase agreement by date and names of parties, and the unfulfilled
condition; and
(3) stating that the purchase agreement has been canceled.
(b) The notice must be served in the manner provided in section 559.21, subdivision 4,
paragraphs (a) and (b).
(c) The cancellation of the purchase agreement is complete, unless, within 15 days after the
service of the notice upon the other party to the purchase agreement, the party upon whom the
notice was served secures from a court an order suspending the cancellation.
    Subd. 5. Form of notice of cancellation. (a) For purposes of subdivision 3, the term "notice"
means a writing stating the information required in subdivision 3, paragraph (a), stating the name,
address, and telephone number of that party serving the notice or of an attorney authorized by
such party to serve the notice, and including the following information in 12-point or larger
underlined uppercase type, or 8-point type if published:
"THIS NOTICE IS TO INFORM YOU THAT BY THIS NOTICE THE (SELLER)
(PURCHASER) (STRIKE ONE) HAS BEGUN PROCEEDINGS UNDER MINNESOTA
STATUTES, SECTION 559.217, TO CANCEL YOUR PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE
(PURCHASE) (SALE) (STRIKE ONE) OF THE ABOVE PROPERTY FOR THE REASONS
SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE. THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT WILL BE CANCELED
... DAYS AFTER (SERVICE OF THIS NOTICE UPON YOU) (THE FIRST DAY OF
PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE) (STRIKE ONE) UNLESS BEFORE THEN:
(A) YOU HAVE FULLY COMPLIED WITH ALL OF YOUR OBLIGATIONS UNDER
THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT THAT WERE REQUIRED TO BE PERFORMED AS OF
THE DATE OF SERVICE OF THIS NOTICE INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION,
THE ITEMS OF DEFAULT SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE AND THE UNFULFILLED
CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE ARE COMPLETED, INCLUDING, IF
APPLICABLE, COMPLETION OF THE PURCHASE OR SALE OF THE RESIDENTIAL
REAL PROPERTY ACCORDING TO THE TERMS OF THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT; OR
(B) YOU SECURE FROM A DISTRICT COURT AN ORDER THAT THE TERMINATION
OF THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT BE SUSPENDED UNTIL YOUR CLAIMS OR
DEFENSES ARE FINALLY DISPOSED OF BY TRIAL, HEARING, OR SETTLEMENT.
YOUR ACTION MUST SPECIFICALLY STATE THOSE FACTS AND GROUNDS THAT
DEMONSTRATE YOUR CLAIMS OR DEFENSES.
IF YOU DO NOT DO ONE OR THE OTHER OF THE ABOVE THINGS WITHIN
THE TIME PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE, YOUR PURCHASE AGREEMENT
WILL BE CANCELED AT THE END OF THE PERIOD (AND YOU WILL LOSE ALL
EARNEST MONEY YOU HAVE PAID ON THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT) (STRIKE IF
NOT APPLICABLE); AND YOU MAY LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO ASSERT ANY CLAIMS
OR DEFENSES THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE.
HOWEVER, IF WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE YOU
SERVE YOUR OWN NOTICE UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 559.217,
YOUR PURCHASE AGREEMENT WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CANCELED, BUT YOUR
ENTITLEMENT TO EARNEST MONEY MUST BE DETERMINED BY A COURT OR
DETERMINED BY ARBITRATION IF AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS NOTICE, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY
IMMEDIATELY."
(b) For purposes of subdivision 4, the term "notice" means a writing stating the information
required in subdivision 4, paragraph (a), stating the name, address, and telephone number of
the party serving the notice or of an attorney authorized by such party to serve the notice, and
including the following information in 12-point or larger underlined uppercase type, or 8-point
type if published:
"THIS NOTICE IS PURSUANT TO MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 559.217, TO
INFORM YOU THAT YOUR PURCHASE AGREEMENT FOR THE (PURCHASE) (SALE)
(STRIKE ONE) OF THE ABOVE PROPERTY HAS BEEN CANCELED FOR THE REASONS
SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE. THE CANCELLATION WILL BE CONFIRMED ... DAYS
AFTER (SERVICE OF THIS NOTICE UPON YOU) (THE FIRST DAY OF PUBLICATION
OF THIS NOTICE) (STRIKE ONE) UNLESS BEFORE THEN YOU SECURE FROM A
DISTRICT COURT AN ORDER THAT THE CONFIRMATION OF CANCELLATION OF
THE PURCHASE AGREEMENT BE SUSPENDED UNTIL YOUR CLAIMS OR DEFENSES
ARE FINALLY DISPOSED OF BY TRIAL, HEARING, OR SETTLEMENT. YOUR ACTION
MUST SPECIFICALLY STATE THOSE FACTS AND GROUNDS THAT DEMONSTRATE
YOUR CLAIMS OR DEFENSES.
IF YOU DO NOT OBTAIN SUCH A COURT ORDER WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD
SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE, THE CONFIRMATION OF CANCELLATION OF YOUR
PURCHASE AGREEMENT WILL BE FINAL AT THE END OF THE PERIOD (AND
YOU WILL LOSE ALL EARNEST MONEY YOU HAVE PAID ON THE PURCHASE
AGREEMENT) (STRIKE IF NOT APPLICABLE); AND YOU MAY LOSE YOUR RIGHT TO
ASSERT ANY CLAIMS OR DEFENSES THAT YOU MIGHT HAVE.
HOWEVER, IF WITHIN THE TIME PERIOD SPECIFIED IN THIS NOTICE YOU
SERVE YOUR OWN NOTICE UNDER MINNESOTA STATUTES, SECTION 559.217,
YOUR PURCHASE AGREEMENT WILL BE IMMEDIATELY CANCELED, BUT YOUR
ENTITLEMENT TO EARNEST MONEY MUST BE DETERMINED BY A COURT OR
DETERMINED BY ARBITRATION IF AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS NOTICE, CONTACT AN ATTORNEY
IMMEDIATELY."
    Subd. 6. Suspension of cancellation, attorney fees, court fees, and costs of service. A
seller or a purchaser upon whom the notice is served may commence a proceeding under section
559.211 to obtain a court order to suspend the cancellation of a purchase agreement under this
section, and in the proceeding the court may award court filing fees, attorney fees, and costs of
service actually expended to the prevailing party in an amount not to exceed $3,000.
    Subd. 7. Affidavit of cancellation. (a) After a cancellation under subdivision 3 or a
confirmation of cancellation under subdivision 4, the purchase agreement is void and of no
further force or effect, and, except as provided in subdivision 2, any earnest money held under the
purchase agreement must be distributed to, and become the sole property of, the party completing
the cancellation of the purchase agreement.
(b) When a cancellation under this section has been completed, the party who served the
notice, or that party's attorney, may execute an affidavit stating that the party caused a notice of
cancellation to be served upon the other party, that the other party neither complied with the
actions required in the notice, if applicable, nor obtained a court order suspending the cancellation,
and that the property is residential real property.
(c) A copy of the affidavit of cancellation, when attached to a copy of the notice, is prima
facie evidence of the facts therein stated.
(d) Except as provided in subdivision 2, the affidavit of cancellation, when delivered to a
third party holding earnest money under the purchase agreement, is a sufficient basis for that
person to release the earnest money to the party initiating and completing the cancellation.
(e) If either a seller or purchaser commences a cancellation proceeding under this section
and before completion of the first proceeding the other party initiates a cancellation proceeding
under this section, either party or that party's attorney may execute an affidavit stating that both
parties caused the notice of cancellation to be served upon the other party and further specifying
the date the second notice of cancellation was served upon the other party. A copy of the affidavit
of cancellation, when attached to copies of both notices of cancellation, is prima facie evidence of
the cancellation of the purchase agreement and of the effective date of the cancellation of the
purchase agreement.
    Subd. 8. Attorney as agent for service. Any attorney authorized to serve the notice of
cancellation by a party initiating a cancellation under this section is designated as the attorney who
may receive service as agent for the party initiating the cancellation of all summons, complaints,
orders, and motions made in connection with an action by the party upon whom the notice is
served to restrain the cancellation. Service in the action may be made upon the party initiating the
cancellation by mailing a copy of the process to such party or to such party's attorney, by first
class mail, postage prepaid, to the address stated in the notice.
History: 2004 c 203 art 1 s 10; 2005 c 119 s 4

559.22 IN RECOVERY ACTION DEFENDANT'S BUYER MAY BE LIABLE.
An action for the recovery of real property against a person in possession or in receipt of the
rents and profits thereof cannot be prejudiced by an alienation made by that person either before
or after the commencement of the action; but in such case, if the defendant has no property
sufficient to satisfy the damages recovered for the withholding of possession, such damages may
be collected by action against the purchaser.
History: (9577) RL s 4443; 1986 c 444

559.23 ACTION TO DETERMINE BOUNDARY LINES.
An action may be brought by any person owning land or any interest therein against the
owner, or persons interested in adjoining land, to have the boundary lines established; and when
the boundary lines of two or more tracts depend upon any common point, line, or landmark, an
action may be brought by the owner or any person interested in any of such tracts, against the
owners or persons interested in the other tracts, to have all the boundary lines established. The
court shall determine any adverse claims in respect to any portion of the land involved which it
may be necessary to determine for a complete settlement of the boundary lines, and shall make
such order respecting costs and disbursements as it shall deem just. The decree of the court shall
be filed with the court administrator, and a certified copy thereof shall be recorded in the office of
the county recorder or in the office of registrar of titles or both, if necessary; provided that such
decree shall not be accepted for such recording or filing until it shall be presented to the county
auditor who shall enter the same in the transfer record and note upon the instrument over the
auditor's official signature the words "ENTERED IN THE TRANSFER RECORD."
History: (9590) RL s 4454; 1947 c 244 s 1; 1976 c 181 s 2; 1986 c 444; 1Sp1986 c 3
art 1 s 82; 2005 c 4 s 137

559.24 PLEADINGS; ADDITIONAL PARTIES.
Such actions shall be governed by the rules governing civil actions, except as herein
otherwise provided, but every allegation in every answer shall be deemed in issue without further
pleading. When in any such action it appears to the court that any owner, lienholder, or person
interested in any of the tracts involved ought, for a full settlement and adjudication of all the
questions involved, to be made a party, the court shall stay the proceedings and issue an order
requiring such persons to come in and plead therein within 20 days after service of the order,
which shall be served upon them in the same manner as a summons in a civil action. Any person
so served who shall fail to file an answer within 20 days thereafter shall be in default. All
pleadings or copies thereof shall be filed before such order is made. The court may also, in its
discretion, in like manner, order the owners and persons interested in other tracts than those
originally involved to come in and plead, in which case the order shall describe such additional
tracts, and state that the purpose of the action is to establish the boundary lines thereof.
History: (9591) RL s 4455

559.25 JUDGMENT; LANDMARKS.
The judgment shall locate and define the boundary lines involved by reference to well-known
permanent landmarks, and, if it shall be deemed for the interest of the parties, after the entry of
judgment, the court may direct a competent surveyor to establish a permanent stone or iron
landmark in accordance with the judgment, from which future surveys of the land embraced in the
judgment shall be made. Such landmarks shall have distinctly cut or marked thereon "Judicial
Landmark." The surveyor shall make report to the court, and in the report shall accurately describe
the landmark so erected, and define its location as nearly as practicable.
History: (9592) RL s 4456; 1986 c 444