Leases No More: MLB Teams Now Responsible for Minor League Housing

In September, owners approved a policy in which teams would be required to provide housing for all of their minor league players. On Thursday, a memo was sent to general managers, assistant general managers and farm directors outlining the details of that policy.

Housing permitted for minor leaguers during the regular season will include apartments and rental homes, while host families are still permitted provided all members of the family pass a background check. Any of these options must be located within a reasonable distance from the player’s home ballpark. Housing options during spring training can include dormitories and hotel rooms.

Notably, the memo notes that leases are not permitted. Players will not sign any lease or utility agreements. Those will now be the responsibility of the major league team. That is an important development for minor league players—leases often remained in a player’s name after they were promoted or demoted, requiring them to pay for their lease at their previous level in addition to their new level.