October was another busy month for the hotline. We took slightly fewer calls/emails in October (2,929 total) than in September of this year—about a 5% drop. There were 1,664 new calls/emails in October and we remain on pace to potentially top 20,000 for the calendar year, repeating last year’s accomplishment.
Here are the top 10 reasons for calls in October, compared to September, 2024.
| Contact Reason | Number of Contacts | Change from Sept. ’24 |
| 1. Evictions | 469 | + 19% |
| 2. Repairs | 381 | – 22% |
| 3. Security Deposits | 171 | – 21% |
| 4. Break Lease | 149 | – 16% |
| 5. Lease Questions | 104 | + 5% |
| 6. Landlord Notice to Vacate | 90 | – 14% |
| 7. Financial Aid | 87 | + 33% |
| 8. Privacy/Intrusion | 55 | – 8% |
| 9. Fees | 54 | – 16% |
| 10. Heat | 41 | + 84% |
Eviction contacts surged in October—once again reclaiming the top spot this past month after repairs have been in the top spot for most of the year. Financial Aid questions are also up—which isn’t that surprising when looking at the climbing eviction numbers–since around 90% of Minnesota evictions are filed for non-payment of rent.
Security deposit contacts always dip this time of year since tenants tend to move in/move out during the warm weather months. They will likely stay lower until next April. —when deposits are most commonly disputed.
Finally, heat is on the charts early this year—with an 84% increase over contacts in September. The new heat rule requiring 68 degrees after October 1st each year, coupled with several cooler October days, have likely led to increased contacts. This topic will likely stay in the top 10 until March or April of next year.
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