RENTAL DWELLING LICENSES

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances tit. 12, ch. 244, art. XVI

in effect

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1800 Definitions.

244.1800. - Definitions. Words used in this article shall have the meanings ascribed in section 244.40, unless otherwise defined herein. Appropriate action shall mean that action which a reasonable license holder would take based upon the facts and circumstances of each case so as to prevent a reoccurrence of a disorderly use. Interest in a rental dwelling license or provisional license shall include without limitation: (1) Future interest, reversionary interest, or legal or equitable ownership interest in whole or part in the associated real property; (2) Security interest or financial interest in the associated real property or operation thereof, such as being lender of money for the purchase of that property; and (3) Any right to control or manage the operation of the associated real property. For purposes of this chapter, unless the entity with a direct interest in the rental dwelling license or provisional license is a publicly-held corporation, all direct and indirect owners of a partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or other recognized business association with an interest in a rental dwelling license or provisional license shall be considered to have the same interest as the partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or other recognized business association itself. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 99-Or-163, § 1, 12-17-99; Ord. No. 2019-011, § 1, 3-15-19)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1810 License required.

244.1810. - License required. (a) No person shall allow any dwelling unit to be occupied, or let or offer to let to another any dwelling unit for occupancy, or charge, accept or retain rent for any dwelling unit unless the owner has a valid license, administrative registration, short term rental registration or provisional license under the terms of this article. The practice of pre-leasing new rental construction shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. (b) During the pendency of any adverse license proceeding instituted against any rental dwelling license, no such license may be renewed. Whenever such a rental dwelling license is due for renewal, the director may issue, in lieu of a rental dwelling license, a rental dwelling administrative registration. Such administrative registration shall allow for the continued occupancy and operation of the rental dwelling pending the completion or cessation of the pending adverse license action, subject to all valid court orders and to any requirements imposed by this article or other applicable law, ordinance, statute, rule or requirement. The fee for any such administrative registration shall be equal to the amount that would be authorized for the issuance of a rental dwelling license pursuant to section 244.1890. Should the pending adverse license action result in a full and final revocation, withdrawal, or denial of the subject rental dwelling license after the administrative registration fee has been paid, a refund of any prorated quarter-annual portions shall be provided if more than three (3) months remain in the annual registration period. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 96-Or-129, § 1, 12-13-96; 2008-Or-016, § 1, 2-29-08; 2012-Or-059, § 1, 8-17-12; Ord. No. 2017-054, § 2, 10-20-17; Ord. No. 2017-069, § 1, 11-17-17)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1820 Applicability and exceptions.

244.1820. - Applicability and exceptions. (a) The provisions of this article shall apply to all rental dwellings and dwelling units, including rented single-family dwellings and rented dwelling units in owner-occupied dwellings, as well as to rented condominiums, rented townhouses and leasehold cooperative dwelling units, as those terms are defined in Minn. Statutes Section 273.124, Subd. 6, Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 515A, Minnesota law and this Code. (b) Any person operating a short-term rental dwelling unit, regardless of whether the unit is rented or booked through the services of a short-term rental hosting platform pursuant to Chapter 351, shall comply with all applicable laws as well as the requirements of this article and the housing maintenance code, unless compliance is exempted or modified by order of the director of regulatory services. All such persons shall also, in the course of the operation of any short-term rental dwelling unit, comply with any applicable civil rights ordinance, law or rule prohibiting acts of discrimination related to real estate, housing, public accommodation or other applicable subject. (c) Any person operating a single room occupancy housing unit or units shall comply with all applicable laws as well as the requirements of this article and the housing maintenance code, unless compliance is exempted or modified by order of the director of regulatory services. All such persons shall also, in the course of the operation of any single room occupancy housing unit, comply with any applicable civil rights ordinance, law, or rule prohibiting acts of discrimination related to real estate, housing, public accommodation, or other applicable subject. (d) The provisions of this article shall not apply to hotels licensed under Chapter 297 of this Code; lodging houses licensed under Chapter 298 of this Code; jails; convents; monasteries; licensed nursing homes; licensed board and care homes; parsonages; parish houses; manses and rectories; hospitals; and owner-occupied dwelling units in a cooperative, condominium or townhouse building. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 2003-Or-153, § 5, 12-29-03; Ord. No. 2017-054, § 3, 10-20-17; Ord. No. 2021-034, § 4, 7-23-21)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1830 What the license covers.

244.1830. - What the license covers. (a) One (1) license shall be issued for each building with rental dwelling units and shall be deemed to cover only such dwelling units under single ownership. (b) The city shall have authority to exercise its licensing powers under this article, including the power to issue, renew, deny, revoke, and suspend licenses, with respect to an entire building or only a portion of a building. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 2003-Or-153, § 6, 12-29-03)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1840 Application for license.

244.1840. - Application for license. Within ninety (90) days after the effective date of this article, the owner of each rental dwelling shall make written application to the director of regulatory services for a license to carry on the business of renting residential property. In addition, the owner of each such rental dwelling constructed after the effective date of this article shall make written application to the director of regulatory services for a license as herein provided prior to initial occupancy. Such application shall be made on a form furnished by the director of regulatory services for such purpose and shall set forth the following information: (1) Name, business or residence address, telephone number, and date of birth of the owner of the dwelling. If the owner is a partnership, the name of the partnership, the name, residence address, and date of birth of the managing partner, and the full name and address of all partners. If the owner is a corporation, the name and address of the corporation, and the name of the chief operating officer; in cases where the owner of a dwelling resides outside of the sixteen-county metropolitan area consisting of the following counties: Hennepin, Rice, Wright, Anoka, Washington, McLeod, Ramsey, Dakota, Scott, Carver, Sherburne, Isanti, Chisago, Sibley, Le Sueur and Goodhue; the owner's agent/contact person shall reside within the sixteen-county area. a. All partnerships, corporations, limited liability companies or other recognized business associations which own a dwelling required to be licensed under this chapter shall submit, upon request of the director of regulatory services or the director's designee, the name and address of all partners, shareholders or interest holders. If requested by the director of regulatory services or the director's designee, information regarding the names and addresses of all partners, shareholders or interest holders must be submitted in a sworn affidavit. Failure to provide this information upon request and in proper form may result in a five hundred dollars ($500.00) fine or other appropriate enforcement action. (2) If the owner has appointed an agent authorized to accept service of process and to receive and give receipt for notices, the name, business or residence address, telephone number, and date of birth of such agent. (3) Every applicant, whether an individual, partnership, or corporation, shall identify in the application, by name, residence or business street address, telephone number, and date of birth, a natural person who is actively involved in, and responsible for, the maintenance and management of the premises. Said natural person shall, if other than the owner, affix his or her notarized signature to the application, thereby accepting joint and several responsibility with the owner (including any potential criminal, civil, or administrative liability) for the maintenance and management of the premises. A post office box or commercial mail receiving service are not acceptable as an address for such person. The individual designated herein may also be the owner of the dwelling or an agent identified in subsection (2) above. The phone number herein required shall be of a phone number that shall be normally answerable twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, not subject to normal business hours. The owner of the property or the person designated as responsible for the maintenance and management of the premises, whether that person is also the owner of the property or a designee of the owner, shall be required to respond to inquiries from the department of regulatory services, the police department or the environmental health division of the Minneapolis Health Department within a reasonable period of time. The duty imposed by this subsection to respond to inquiries shall include a duty to attend an in-person meeting when reasonably scheduled by an employee of the departments referenced herein. Failure to respond in a reasonable period of time may lead to adverse license action pursuant to section 244.1910(19) of this Code. a. When an owner and/or the agent/contact person designated in subsection (3) have never owned or managed rental property, the owner and/or the agent/contact person shall, after the first instance in which an administrative citation issued pursuant to chapter 2 of this Code has been paid, upheld upon appeal, or has been neither paid nor appealed, provide proof of attendance and successful completion of a recognized fundamentals of rental property management course approved by the director of regulatory services. Any costs associated with that workshop will be the sole responsibility of the licensee or agent/contact person. (4) Street address of the dwelling. (5) Number and kind of units within the dwelling (dwelling units, rooming units, or shared bath units). For each unit, specify the floor number, and the unit number and/or letter and/or designation. (6) In the event that any of the information required to be provided by this section changes, the applicant or licensee shall, within fourteen (14) days, notify in writing the director of regulatory services, or an authorized representative of the director, of the change. However, if the natural person designated in subsection (3) changes, the licensee or applicant shall file an entirely new application within fourteen (14) days. Furthermore, for just cause, the director of regulatory services, or an authorized representative of the director, may request that an applicant or licensee complete and file a new or replacement application for any rental dwelling, giving the licensee or applicant a minimum of fourteen (14) days to comply. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 91-Or-134, § 3, 7-12-91; 97-Or-056, § 4, 6-27-97; 99-Or-163, § 2, 12-17-99; 2003-Or-070, § 1, 6-20-03; 2006-Or-115, § 1, 10-20-06; 2013-Or-066, § 1, 6-28-13; 2013-Or-161, § 41, 12-6-13; 2014-Or-011, § 1, 3-28-14; 2015-Or-051, § 1, 7-10-15)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1845 Requirements applicable to short-term rental dwelling units.

244.1845. - Requirements applicable to short-term rental dwelling units. (a) Rental dwelling license required for non-homestead status property. No person shall allow any non-homestead status short-term rental dwelling unit to be occupied, or let or offer to let to another any non-homestead status short-term rental dwelling unit for occupancy, or charge, accept or retain rent for any non-homestead status short-term rental dwelling unit unless the owner has a valid rental dwelling license or provisional license under the terms of this article. (b) Short-term rental registration required for homestead status property. No person shall allow any homestead status short-term rental dwelling unit to be occupied, or let or offer to let to another any homestead status short-term rental dwelling unit for occupancy, or charge, accept or retain rent for any homestead status short-term rental dwelling unit unless the owner has obtained a valid short-term rental registration under the terms of this article. (1) The requirements of subsection (b) shall apply to any homestead status short-term rental dwelling unit that is primarily owner-occupied except for the duration of any short-term rental period. (2) A short-term rental registration must include any information deemed necessary by the director and may be obtained through any readily available means, written or electronic, as deemed appropriate and expeditious by the director. This information may include the identification of a responsible party, if other than the owner, who shall be a natural person responsible for the management of the property during and associated with any use as a short-term rental to the same extent a rental license agent or contact person is legally responsible pursuant to Section 244.1840(3). The annual fee for a short-term rental registration shall be as established in the license fee schedule. Any registered property shall be subject to lawful inspection by the director and the director's authorized representatives upon a schedule determined by the director or upon complaint. (3) Any short-term rental registration may be denied, canceled or revoked upon notice and the provision of an opportunity for hearing for good cause, including the violation of, or noncompliance with, any registration requirement or standard, or any applicable law, statute or ordinance. Any such hearing shall take place pursuant to Chapter 2 of this Code and follow the procedures established in section 259.255. (c) Regulations applicable to all short-term rental dwelling units. (1) No rental dwelling classified as Tier III by the director shall be eligible for short-term rental registration or for use as a short-term rental dwelling. (2) Any person operating a short-term rental property which includes a swimming pool that does not possess a current and valid pool license shall, during the course of any such rental period, post a sign indicating that the pool is not licensed and inspected. (3) The owner, identified rental dwelling license agent, or responsible party shall include the applicable short-term rental registration or license number on all advertisements, listings or postings of the unit; (4) The owner of any short-term rental dwelling unit required to be registered or licensed shall maintain liability insurance appropriate to cover the short-term rental use in the aggregate of not less than three hundred thousand dollars ($300,000.00) or conduct each short-term rental transaction through a short-term rental platform that provides equal or greater coverage; (5) Unless further restricted by occupancy laws, no short-term dwelling unit shall be occupied by more than ten (10) persons, regardless of property size. (6) The owner, identified rental dwelling license agent, or responsible party shall post the following information in a conspicuous place within each dwelling unit used as a short-term rental: a. Emergency contact information that is accessible at all times; b. Contact information for the property owner, identified rental dwelling license agent, or responsible party; c. Street address; d. Floor plan indicating fire exits and escape routes; e. Information about how a guest can contact and utilize the City's 311 system; and f. The short-term rental registration number. (d) Short-term rental registration is not required for a homestead status property if the owner lives in the dwelling unit, only a portion of the dwelling unit is rented, and the owner occupies the dwelling unit during the rental period. (e) Regulations applicable to non-homestead status licensed short-term rental dwelling units in buildings with fewer than twenty (20) dwelling units. The owners and identified rental dwelling license agents of any short-term rental dwelling units that are located in buildings with fewer than twenty (20) units shall comply with the following requirements, in addition to any other applicable requirements including applying for and obtaining a rental dwelling license classified as a short-term rental dwelling license: (1) Provide a twenty-four (24) hour accessible and responsive telephone number to guests and required neighbors for complaint lodging and resolution; (2) Complete a pre-inspection checklist in a manner and format as determined by the director; (3) Complete and submit a management plan for the licensed unit addressing matters such as noise, trash, parking, or any other matters deemed necessary by the director, in a format and manner as determined by the director; (4) Complete, submit, and provide in a manner, content, and format as determined by the director a short-term rental neighbor notification letter directed to all property owners, tenants, and occupants of any property within the subject building or located within fifty (50) feet of the perimeter of the property line in which the short-term rental dwelling unit is located; and (5) In buildings with fewer than twenty (20) units, no owner or licensee shall own or have an interest in more than one (1) licensed short-term rental dwelling unit, except in homesteaded duplexes with an approved accessory dwelling unit and homesteaded triplexes where the homestead owner may operate the non-homestead unit or units as licensed short-term rental dwelling units in compliance with all other applicable provisions of this Code. (f) Regulations applicable to non-homestead status licensed short-term rental dwelling units in buildings with twenty (20) or more dwelling units. In addition to any other applicable requirements, the owners and identified rental dwelling license agents of any short-term rental dwelling units required to be licensed that are located in buildings with twenty (20) or more units shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Comply with and fulfill the requirements of subsection (e), subparts (1) through (4), and apply for and obtain a rental dwelling license classified as a short-term rental dwelling license; and (2) The short-term rental dwelling units must comprise no more than ten (10) percent in relation to the total dwelling units in the building, and the building and use must comply with all applicable zoning requirements. Condominium units shall be exempt from the ten (10) percent cap but must otherwise comply with any valid association requirements and restrictions. (Ord. No. 2017-054, § 4, 10-20-17; Ord. No. 2020-061, § 1, 12-4-20)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1850 Provisional licenses.

244.1850. - Provisional licenses. The director of regulatory services may issue a provisional license to the owner of a rental dwelling who has submitted an application and paid the license fee required by this article. A provisional license shall authorize the continued occupancy of rental dwelling units in actual existence on the effective date of this article, pending issuance of a rental dwelling license. A provisional license shall authorize the continued occupancy of dwelling units converted to rental usage after the effective date of this article, which shall be inspected pursuant to section 244.1870 of this article. A provisional license indicates only that the owner has submitted an application for a license and paid the required fee, and that the license shall be issued or denied after the building has been inspected for compliance with the minimum standards set forth in section 244.1855 of this article. A provisional license is not a determination that the building complies with the housing maintenance code or the minimum standards set forth in this article. As a condition of a provisional license or annual renewal of such license, the applicant shall sign a statement affirming that the licensee meets the standards of section 244.1910, subsections (11) through (14). (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; Ord. No. 97-Or-056, § 5, 6-27-97; 99-Or-163, § 3, 12-17-99; 2003-Or-153, § 7, 12-29-03; 2008-Or-016, § 2, 2-29-08; 2013-Or-161, § 42, 12-6-13)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1855 Minimum inspection standards.

244.1855. - Minimum inspection standards. The minimum standard to be used for inspections, pursuant to section 244.1890, for compliance with the housing code for buildings with provisional or nonprovisional licenses shall include the inspection of the building exterior, the common areas and the basement. In addition, if there are ten (10) or less individual dwelling units in the building, minimum inspection requirements include inspecting fifty (50) percent of the individual dwelling units, with a minimum of at least one (1) dwelling unit. If there are between eleven (11) and twenty-four (24) individual dwelling units, inclusive, in the building, minimum inspection requirements include inspecting five (5) individual dwelling units in the building. If there are twenty-five (25) or more individual dwelling units in the building, minimum inspection requirements include inspecting twenty (20) percent of the individual dwelling units. The specific individual dwelling units to be chosen for inspection shall be determined pursuant to inspection department policy. Pursuant to the above minimum standards to be used for inspections for compliance with the housing code for buildings with provisional or nonprovisional licenses, the individual dwelling units to be inspected per building shall be determined using the following table: Number of individual dwelling units per building | Number of individual dwelling units to be inspected 1—3 | 1 4—5 | 2 6—7 | 3 8—9 | 4 10—29 | 5 30—34 | 6 35—39 | 7 40—44 | 8 45—49 | 9 50—54 | 10 55—59 | 11 60—64 | 12 Buildings having sixty-five (65) or more individual dwelling units shall have the number of individual dwelling units to be inspected calculated at twenty (20) percent of the total number of individual dwelling units per unit. If the rental dwelling structure is considered to be "substandard" as defined by section 244.1920, the director or authorized representative may inspect additional units, up to all of the units in the building. (97-Or-056, § 6, 6-27-97)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1860 Expiration; renewal.

244.1860. - Expiration; renewal. All licenses and provisional licenses issued under this article shall expire annually, subject to renewal year to year in the manner provided in this article. All licensees and provisional licensees shall apply for renewal of their licenses on a form provided by the director of regulatory services. The renewal application may be in such abbreviated form as deemed sufficient by the director to verify current information on file concerning the licensee. No license or provisional license shall be granted without payment of the required annual license fee. An individual who is operating a rental dwelling after the license has expired is operating an unlicensed rental dwelling. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 2004-Or-130, § 1, 11-5-04; 2006-Or-078, § 1, 7-21-06; 2013-Or-161, § 43, 12-6-13; Ord. No. 2019-015, § 1, 3-29-19)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1865 Requirements applicable to single room occupancy housing units.

244.1865. - Requirements applicable to single room occupancy housing units. (a) Rental dwelling license required for any building containing single room occupancy housing units. No person shall allow any single room occupancy housing unit, as that term is defined in section 244.40, to be occupied, or let or offer to let to another any single room occupancy housing unit for occupancy, or charge, accept or retain rent for any single room occupancy housing unit unless the owner has a valid rental dwelling license or provisional license under the terms of this article that is specific to single room occupancy housing units and is in addition to any required license, permit, or registration for any standard rental dwelling units or other occupancy categories that are located and operated in the same building. (b) Application requirements. An application for a rental dwelling license to operate any single room occupancy housing units must include any information required under the terms of this article and may require any additional information deemed necessary by the director, including the submission of a security and business plan adequately demonstrating the ability of the applicant to operate the unit or units in a compliant and effective manner. (c) Requirements applicable to single room occupancy housing units. (1) No rental dwelling classified as Tier III by the director shall be eligible for use in whole, or in any portion thereof, as single room occupancy housing. (2) The operation of any single room occupancy housing unit or units shall comply with any requirements of the zoning code and with any other applicable ordinance, code, or law. (3) The operator of any single room housing occupancy unit is strongly encouraged to provide at least one (1) gender-neutral restroom per floor, and shall ensure that all people may use the restroom they feel most comfortable in, regardless of their sex assigned at birth, to the fullest extent permitted by law. (Ord. No. 2021-034, § 5, 7-23-21)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1870 Point-of-conversion or change of ownership inspection.

244.1870. - Point-of-conversion or change of ownership inspection. (a) A license or provisional license issued hereunder is nontransferable. A new license application shall be required for each change of ownership of a rental dwelling and whenever a dwelling is converted to rental usage. (b) Whenever a dwelling is converted to rental usage or when a rental dwelling changes ownership, the dwelling or dwellings shall be promptly inspected for compliance with the minimum standards set forth in section 244.1855 of this article. The fee for the inspection required by this section shall be one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) for the inspection of any dwelling converted to rental usage and four hundred fifty dollars ($450.00) for the inspections of a rental dwelling which has a change of ownership and which has not been inspected in the past six (6) months. This fee shall be in addition to the annual license fee. If, upon application for a license for any dwelling converted to rental usage, the owner or other natural person as defined in section 244.1840(3) provides proof of prior attendance and successful completion within five (5) years prior to the date of application of a recognized fundamentals of rental property management course approved by the director of regulatory services, the fee for the inspection required by this section shall be reduced to seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00). This provision shall not apply to condominium buildings containing six (6) or more dwelling units nor to any rental building containing more than four (4) dwelling units, nor to any rental dwelling owned by a nonprofit entity, as that term is defined in this title. The director of regulatory services may waive this provision if a property received a certificate of occupancy within three (3) years of the application date. (1) Conversion shall be defined as single dwelling buildings and buildings/units with separate PID numbers (condominium or townhouse with two (2) to five (5) dwelling units) that have been unlicensed for the previous twelve (12) months for which the owners are applying for a rental dwelling license. (c) Noncompliance with written orders duly issued pursuant to the inspection required under this section shall constitute cause for the imposition of adverse license action, including but not limited to license denial. (d) If the licensee discontinues rental use and re-occupies the converted dwelling as an owner occupant within twelve (12) months of paying the inspection fee, the owner may be eligible for a fifty (50) percent refund of the inspection fee, upon written application. The provisions of this section shall apply to any property re-converted to rental use after application for this refund. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 2008-Or-016, § 3, 2-29-08; 2008-Or-091, § 1, 11-21-08; 2009-Or-043, § 1, 5-22-09; 2012-Or-005, § 1, 1-27-12; 2013-Or-161, § 44, 12-6-13)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1880 License fees.

244.1880. - License fees. (a) Effective July 1, 2015: The annual license fee for a rental dwelling license or provisional license shall be as set out in the tiered rental license fee found in Appendix J. A change in ownership shall require a new license application and payment of the license fee. An increase in the number of licensed dwelling units during the license year shall require an amended license application and the payment of an additional license fee to cover the additional units. (b) The annual license fee shall be increased by twenty-five (25) percent when more than fifteen (15) calendar days late. Late applicants shall not be entitled to prorated license fees. When more than forty-five (45) days late, the annual license fee shall be additionally increased by twenty-five (25) percent. (c) License fees shall be prorated as follows: (1) Issued during first half of license year .....Full fee (2) Issued during second half of license year .....½ fee (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 99-Or-163, § 4, 12-17-99; 2000-Or-082, § 1, 9-15-00; 2003-Or-137, § 1, 11-21-03; 2004-Or-086, § 1, 8-6-04; 2004-Or-130, § 2, 11-5-04; 2005-Or-063, § 1, 8-5-05; 2006-Or-078, § 2, 7-21-06; 2008-Or-006, § 1, 2-1-08; 2008-Or-074, § 1, 9-26-08; 2015-Or-006, § 1, 4-17-15; Ord. No. 2019-015, § 2, 3-29-19)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1890 Inspection guidelines.

244.1890. - Inspection guidelines. The director of regulatory services shall adopt a policy for inspecting all rental dwellings which are required to be licensed under this article, consistent with inspection procedures set forth in section 244.130 or section 244.1855. The policy shall contain objectives for the systematic inspection of all rental dwellings and priorities for the use of scarce inspection resources. The guidelines shall be based upon, but not limited to, the following factors deemed by the director to promote an efficient inspections program: (a) The number of administrative citations and/or special assessments associated with code enforcement at a property. (b) The number of notices, of director's determination of non-compliance issued pursuant to section 244.1930 for violations of rental licensing standards in section 244.1910, issued to a property. (c) Rental dwellings with delinquent property taxes. (d) The number of residential inspections occurring at a property and the number of residential violations found at a property. (e) The number of letters of intent to condemn, for lack of maintenance, that have been issued to a property. (f) Rental dwellings with police incidents for drug offenses, prostitution, crimes of force or violence, and loud disturbances or parties. Calls for emergency assistance as set out in Minnesota Statutes, Section 504B.205 shall not be used for purposes of this provision. (g) Sale of the equitable interest in a rental dwelling property. (h) The director shall inform rental dwelling licensees that the city, owners and managers are not allowed to limit tenants' rights to call for emergency services. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 96-Or-060, § 1, 6-28-96; 97-Or-056, § 7, 6-27-97; 2013-Or-161, § 45, 12-6-13; 2015-Or-006, § 2, 4-17-15)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1900 Issuance of license.

244.1900. - Issuance of license. When, upon completion of an inspection of a building and rental dwellings therein, the director of regulatory services finds that the minimum standards for licensing set forth in this article have been met, a rental dwelling license may be issued. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 2013-Or-161, § 46 , 12-6-13)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1910 Licensing standards.

244.1910. - Licensing standards. The following minimum standards and conditions shall be met in order to hold a rental dwelling license under this article. Failure to comply with any of these standards and conditions shall be adequate grounds for the denial, refusal to renew, revocation, or suspension of a rental dwelling license or provisional license, or for the imposition of reasonable conditions or restrictions upon such a license pursuant to section 259.165, in addition to any other remedy available at equity or law, including but not limited to escalating administrative fines. (1) The licensee or applicant shall have paid the required license fee. (2) Rental dwelling units shall not exceed the maximum number of dwelling units permitted by the Zoning Code. (3) No rental dwelling or rental dwelling unit shall be over occupied or illegally occupied in violation of the Zoning Code or the Housing Maintenance Code. (4) The rental dwelling shall not have been used or converted to rooming units in violation of the Zoning Code. (5) The owner shall not suffer or allow weeds, vegetation, junk, debris, or rubbish to accumulate repeatedly on the exterior of the premises so as to create a nuisance condition under section 227.90 of this Code. If the city is required to abate such nuisance conditions under section 227.100 or collect, gather up or haul solid waste under section 225.690 more than three (3) times under either or both sections during a period of twenty-four (24) months or less, it shall be sufficient grounds to deny, revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a license. (6) The rental dwelling or any rental dwelling unit therein shall not be in substandard condition, as defined in section 244.1920. (7) The licensee or applicant shall have paid the required reinspection fees. (8) The licensee or his or her agent shall allow the director of regulatory services and his or her designated representative to perform a rental license review inspection as set forth in section 244.2000(c). (9) The licensee shall maintain a current register of all tenants and other persons with a lawful right of occupancy to a dwelling unit and the corresponding floor number, and unit number and/or letter and/or designation of such unit within the building. The register shall be kept current at all times. The licensee shall designate the person who has possession of the register and shall inform the director of the location at which the register is kept. The register shall be available for review by the director or their authorized representatives at all times. (10) The licensee shall submit to the director of regulatory services or an authorized representative of the director, at the time of application for a rental dwelling license and for just cause as requested by the director, the following information: the number and kind of units within the dwelling (dwelling units, rooming units, or shared bath units), specifying for each unit, the floor number, and the unit number and/or letter and/or designation. (11) Financial Obligations and Legal Judgements. a. There shall be no delinquent property taxes or assessments on the rental dwelling, nor shall any licensee be delinquent on any financial obligations owing to the city under any action instituted pursuant to Chapter 2, Administrative Enforcement and Hearing Process. b. The licensee or applicant shall have satisfied all judgments duly entered or docketed against the licensee or applicant by any court of competent jurisdiction arising out of the operation of a rental property business. This subsection shall not be found to have been violated if the licensee or applicant demonstrates that the underlying case or action leading to the entry of judgment is being properly and timely removed to district court or otherwise appealed, or when the judgment is being paid in compliance with a payment plan accepted by either a court possessing jurisdiction over the judgment or the judgment creditor or during any period when the enforcement of the judgment has been duly stayed by such a court. This subsection shall become effective January 1, 2008. (12) There is no active arrest warrant for a Minneapolis Housing Maintenance Code or Zoning Code violation pertaining to any property in which the licensee, applicant or property manager has a legal or equitable ownership interest or is involved in management or maintenance. (13) Any person(s) who has had an interest in a license revoked pursuant to this article or canceled pursuant to section 244.1925, shall be ineligible from obtaining any new rental dwelling licenses for a period of three (3) years. (14) No new rental dwelling license shall be issued for the property during the pendency of adverse license action initiated pursuant to section 244.1940. (15) The licensee or applicant must have a current, complete, and accurate rental dwelling application on file with the director of regulatory services in accord with the provisions of section 244.1840. (16) Rental Application Fee Requirements and Disclosure Standards. a. Before taking a rental application fee, a rental property owner must disclose to the applicant, in writing, the criteria on which the application will be judged. b. Application forms must allow the applicant to choose a method for return of the application fee as either: 1. Mailing it to an applicant's chosen address as stated on the application form; 2. Destroying it; or 3. Holding for retrieval by the tenant upon one (1) business day's notice. c. If the applicant was charged an application fee and the rental property owner rejects the applicant, then the owner must, within fourteen (14) days, notify the tenant in writing of the reasons for rejection, including any criteria that the applicant failed to meet, and the name, address, and phone number of any tenant screening agency or other credit reporting agency used in considering the application. d. The landlord must refund the application fee if a tenant is rejected for any reason not listed in the written criteria. e. Nothing in this section shall prohibit a rental property owner from collecting and holding an application fee so long as the rental property owner provides a written receipt for the fee and the fee is not cashed, deposited, or negotiated in any way until all prior rental applicants either have been screened and rejected for the unit, or have been offered the unit and have declined to take it. If a prior rental applicant is offered the unit and accepts it, the rental property owner shall return all application fees in the manner selected by the applicant, pursuant to section (b). f. Violation of this subsection, 244.1910(16), may result in an administrative citation, or may contribute to the denial or revocation of a rental license. g. This subdivision shall become effective December 1, 2004. (17) An owner shall not have any violations of Minnesota Rule Chapter 1300.0120 subpart 1, related to required permits, at any rental dwelling which they own or have an ownership interest. A violation of Minnesota Rule Chapter 1300.0120 subpart 1 shall result in a director's determination of noncompliance notice being sent, pursuant to 244.1930 to the owner regarding the rental dwelling where the violation occurred. A second violation, at any rental dwelling in which the owner has an ownership interest, of Minnesota Rule Chapter 1300.0120 subpart 1, related to required permits, shall result in the issuance of a director's notice of denial, non-renewal, or suspension of the license or provisional license, pursuant to section 244.1940 of the Code, for the rental dwelling where the second violation occurred. (18) The owner, where the owner pays the water bill for a rental dwelling, shall not allow the water to be shut off for non-payment. If water to a rental dwelling has been turned off, for lack of payment by the owner it shall be sufficient grounds to deny, revoke, suspend or refuse to renew a license or provisional license. (19) The provisions of this section are not exclusive. Adverse license action inclusive of, but not limited to, revocation, may be based upon good cause at any time upon proper notice and hearing. This section shall not preclude the enforcement of any other provisions of this Code or state and federal laws and regulations. (20) A licensee or owner/landlord shall not be in violation of section 244.265 of this Code, which requires owner/landlords to notify tenants and prospective tenants of pending mortgage foreclosure or cancellation of contract for deed involving the licensed property. (21) Any person(s), having an ownership or management interest in any property, upon a second violation of section 244.1810 by allowing to be occupied, letting or offering to let to another for occupancy, any dwelling unit without having first obtained a license or provisional license, shall be ineligible to hold or have an interest in a rental dwelling license or provisional license for a period of two (2) years. (22) The owner or licensee shall not be in violation of section 225.780, which requires every owner of a building containing two (2) or more dwelling units to provide for recycling services. (23) The licensee or applicant shall not have any unpaid fines or fees owing to the City of Minneapolis related to their rental property. (24) An owner shall not have any violations of chapter 240 of this Code, adopting Minn. State Statutes Chapter 144 and amendments thereto and Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4761 and amendments thereto, at any rental dwelling which they own or have an ownership interest. A violation of chapter 240 of this Code, of Minn. State Statutes Chapter 144 and amendments thereto or of Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4761 and amendments thereto shall result in a director's determination of noncompliance notice being sent, pursuant to section 244.1930 to the owner regarding the rental dwelling where the violation occurred. A second violation, at any rental dwelling in which the owner has an ownership interest, of chapter 240 of this Code, of Minn. State Statutes Chapter 144 and amendments thereto or of Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4761 and amendments thereto shall result in the issuance of a director's notice of denial, non-renewal, or suspension of the license or provisional license, pursuant to section 244.1940 of the Code, for the rental dwelling where the second violation occurred. (25) An owner shall not have any violations of section 244.2030 of this Code. A violation of section 244.2030 shall result in a director's determination of noncompliance notice being sent, pursuant to section 244.1930 of this Code, to the owner regarding the rental dwelling where the violation occurred. A second violation of section 244.2030, at any rental dwelling in which the owner has an ownership interest, may result in the issuance of a director's notice of denial, non-renewal, or suspension of the license or provisional license, pursuant to section 244.1940 of this Code, for the rental dwelling where the second violation occurred. (26) An owner shall not have any violations of section 244.2040 of this Code. A violation of section 244.2040 shall result in a director's determination of noncompliance notice being sent, pursuant to section 244.1930 of this Code, to the owner regarding the rental dwelling where the violation occurred. A second violation of section 244.2040, at any rental dwelling in which the owner has an ownership interest, may result in the issuance of a director's notice of denial, non-renewal, or suspension of the license or provisional license, pursuant to section 244.1940 of this Code, for the rental dwelling where the second violation occurred. (27) The licensee, or any agent of the licensee, shall allow the director of regulatory services and the director's designated representatives to perform a lead paint inspection as set forth in section 244.2000(3). (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 91-Or-220, § 1, 11-8-91; 94-Or-124, § 1, 9-16-94; 95-Or-097, § 2, 6-30-95; Ord. No. 97-Or-056, § 8, 6-27-97; 99-Or-163, § 5, 12-17-99; 2001-Or-074, § 1, 6-22-01; 2003-Or-070, § 2, 6-20-03; 2004-Or-122, § 1, 10-22-04; 2005-Or-008, § 1, 2-11-05; 2006-Or-115, § 2, 10-20-06; 2007-Or-063, § 1, 8-31-07; 2008-Or-016, § 4, 2-29-08; 2009-Or-044, § 2, 5-22-09; 2010-Or-041, § 1, 4-16-10; 2011-Or-044, § 1, 4-29-11; 2011-Or-108, § 4, 11-18-11; 2013-Or-040, § 1, 4-12-13; 2013-Or-161, § 47, 12-6-13; 2015-Or-073, § 1, 8-21-15; Ord. No. 2016-049, § 1, 7-22-16 ; Ord. No. 2019-038, § 2, 9-13-19; Ord. No. 2022-025, § 1, 6-16-22; Ord. No. 2025-063, § 3, 12-11-25)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1920 Substandard dwelling.

244.1920. - Substandard dwelling. A rental dwelling structure shall be considered substandard if: (1) At least one dwelling unit within the structure scores twenty-five (25) or more points; or (2) The entire structure scores more than the points shown below based on the number of units within the structure: Number of Units | Total Points 1 | 25 2 | 30 3 | 35 4 | 40 5 or more | 10 points per unit (3) Any major housing maintenance or fire code violation within the dwelling remains uncorrected. Any single violation scoring six (6) or more points is considered a major violation. For purposes of the point calculation in this section, any combination of four (4) rooming units or shared bath units shall constitute one (1) dwelling unit. Points for a violation in a common area of the structure outside a dwelling unit will not be cumulative on a unit by unit basis. However, twenty-five (25) or more points in the common areas of a structure, including, but not limited to, the entryways, corridors, community rooms, exterior walls and roof, will constitute a substandard structure. The director of regulatory services or the director's designee shall cause to be prepared and shall keep on file for public inspection an accurate, complete, and detailed description and schedule of each violation used in the point calculation procedure set forth herein, along with the assigned point value for each such violation. The director shall publish, maintain and make available to the public via all readily available means, including posting to the city's designated Internet site, the description and schedule of all such violations and their assigned point values. Such description and schedule shall be titled the substandard rental dwelling violation schedule. The substandard rental dwelling violation schedule shall be subject to adjustment as deemed necessary and appropriate by the director or the director's designee and any amendments shall be published and made available to the public at least thirty (30) days prior to their effective date. The inspecting code official shall assign points according to the severity of each code violation on a scale from one (1) up to the maximum ten (10) points possible for such violation. Except when otherwise provided by state law, conditions in the design or structure of a building, such as, but not limited to, the size and dimension of rooms and windows and the electrical and plumbing systems, that were legal under existing codes when built shall not be violations as long as they are maintained in good repair. A violation shall receive maximum points when a required item is completely absent, completely fails to perform its function, or is imminently hazardous to the health or safety of the occupants. For any dwelling declared substandard pursuant to this section, the owner or other natural person as defined in section 244.1840(3) shall provide proof of attendance and successful completion of a recognized healthy housing workshop or course approved by the director of regulatory services within three (3) months of the date of declaration. Failure to comply with this requirement shall constitute good cause pursuant to section 244.1910 to deny, refuse to renew, revoke, or suspend a rental dwelling license or provisional license and shall otherwise be subject to enforcement through any other available means provided by this Code. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 91-Or-134, § 4, 7-12-91; 2012-Or-059, § 2, 8-17-12)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1925 Condemned and boarded buildings.

244.1925. - Condemned and boarded buildings. When a building is condemned as hazardous or unfit for human habitation due to defects in its structure or its electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems, or boarded under Minnesota Statutes, Section 463.251, requiring a code compliance inspection prior to reoccupancy, the rental dwelling license shall be cancelled on the effective date of the condemnation or boarding. The dwelling shall be eligible to hold a rental dwelling license upon issuance of a code compliance certificate. (91-Or-220, § 2, 11-8-91)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1930 Director's determination of noncompliance; notice.

244.1930. - Director's determination of noncompliance; notice. (a) If the director of regulatory services determines that a building or dwelling unit fails to meet the licensing standards set forth in section 244.1910, or section 244.1920, he or she shall mail a notice to the owner and the person designated by the owner as the person responsible for the maintenance and management of the building or dwelling unit. The notice shall specify the reasons why the building or unit fails to meet the licensing standards in section 224.1910 or section 244.1920 and shall include a copy of the inspection report if applicable. However, if a building or dwelling unit fails to meet licensing standards 244.1910(2), (3), (4), (13)(a), (18) or (21), for a second time under the same owner/licensee, a notice of director's determination of noncompliance shall not be required to be sent as the building or dwelling unit may be subject to an action for denial; non-renewal; revocation or suspension pursuant to section 244.1940. (b) If the rental dwelling fails to meet one (1) or more of the standards set forth in section 244.1910, the notice shall indicate that the license holder or applicant has ten (10) days to correct the defects, after which the city council will take action to deny, refuse to renew, revoke, or suspend the license or provisional license. (c) If the rental dwelling fails to meet the standards set forth in section 244.1920, the notice shall indicate that the license holder or applicant has sixty (60) days to correct the defects causing the building to be substandard, after which the city council will take action to deny, refuse to renew, revoke, or suspend the license or provisional license. The director may for good cause authorize additional time to correct defects causing a building to be substandard. If the defects create an imminent hazard to health or safety, the director may proceed immediately for denial, nonrenewal, revocation, or suspension under section 244.1940, or may shorten the deadline for compliance to less than sixty (60) days. (d) Whenever a notice of noncompliance is issued under this section, the director of regulatory services shall also cause a notice to tenants to be prominently posted on the building. The notice shall indicate that a license proceeding has been commenced against the owner because the building has been found to be in violation of the housing maintenance code; that after a stated period of time allowed to bring the building into compliance, the city council may proceed to deny, revoke, or suspend the rental dwelling license for the building; that if the city council denies, revokes, or suspends the license, tenants may be required to vacate the building; that further information can be obtained from the City of Minneapolis Housing Services Office. (e) The director of regulatory services shall send copies of the notice of noncompliance and the notice to tenants to the housing services office. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 95-Or-097, § 3, 6-30-95; 99-Or-163, § 6, 12-17-99; 2011-Or-044, § 2, 4-29-11; 2011-Or-108, § 5, 11-18-11; 2013-Or-161, § 48, 12-6-13)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1940 Denial; non-renewal; revocation; suspension.

244.1940. - Denial; non-renewal; revocation; suspension. (a) If after any period for compliance under section 244.1930 has expired, the director determines that the dwelling fails to comply with any of the licensing standards in sections 244.1910 or 244.1920, or the director has initiated an action to deny, revoke, suspend, or not renew a license pursuant to section 244.2020, or if the director determines that a building or dwelling unit fails to meet licensing standards 244.1910(2), (3), (4), (13)(a), (18) or (21), for a second time, under the same owner/licensee, the director shall mail the owner and the person designated by the owner as the person responsible for the maintenance and management of the building or dwelling unit, a notice of denial, non-renewal, revocation, or suspension of the license or provisional license. The notice shall state: (1) That the director has determined that the building fails to comply with the licensing standards for rental dwellings in section 244.1910 and section 244.1920, that the licensee has failed to take appropriate action following conduct by tenants and/or their guests on the licensed premises under section 244.2020, or that the licensee has failed to submit a written management plan that satisfies the requirements set forth in 244.2020(d). (2) The specific reasons why the building fails to meet licensing standards, including copies of applicable inspection reports, or notices sent to licensee of conduct on licensed premises. (3) That the director has referred the matter to the city council with a recommendation to deny, not renew, revoke, or suspend the license or provisional license. (4) That the city council will deny, refuse to renew, revoke, or suspend the license or provisional license unless the owner appeals the determination within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the notice, in the manner provided in section 244.1960. (5) That after denial, nonrenewal, revocation or suspension, the dwelling or the affected dwelling units therein must be vacated, and shall not be reoccupied until all violations are corrected and a license is granted by the city council, (except where an extension of time has been granted by the director of inspections due to weather). Further, no license will be granted by the city council until an approved plan to control conduct on premises has been presented and accepted by the city council if the denial, non-renewal, revocation or suspension was under section 244.2020. (6) The notice shall describe how an appeal may be filed under section 244.1960. (7) The director shall cause a notice to tenants to be mailed or delivered to each licensed dwelling unit and prominently posted on the building. The notice shall indicate that the rental dwelling license for the building has been denied, revoked, or suspended, whichever is applicable; that the action will become final on a specific date unless the building owner appeals and requests a hearing; that tenants may be required to vacate the building when the action becomes final; that further information can be obtained from the City of Minneapolis Housing Services Office. (b) Lapsed licenses. If a license lapses, or is surrendered, withdrawn, terminated, or otherwise becomes ineffective, the director may proceed, pursuant to subdivision (a), with an action to deny, non-renew, revoke or suspend if the action was commenced prior any lapse, surrender, withdraw, termination or other loss of license. (c) Any action taken under this section shall be instituted against the rental dwelling license held by the owner(s), licensee and the person designated by the owner as the person responsible for the maintenance and management of the licensed property. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 95-Or-097, § 4, 6-30-95; 99-Or-163, § 7, 12-17-99; 2004-Or-007, 1-30-04; 2004-Or-112, § 1, 10-8-04; 2011-Or-044, § 3, 4-29-11; 2011-Or-108, § 6, 11-18-11)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1945 Reinstatement.

244.1945. - Reinstatement. A fee of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) must accompany any application for reinstatement of any license or provisional license that has been denied, revoked or suspended pursuant to section 244.1940, if the applicant is a new owner of the property. If the applicant for reinstatement was the owner of the property or held any interest in the rental dwelling license when the license or provisional license was denied, revoked or suspended, a fee of three thousand dollars ($3,000.00) must accompany any application for reinstatement. This reinstatement fee is in addition to the license fees imposed pursuant to section 244.1880. Prior to reinstatement of any license or provisional license that has been denied, revoked or suspended, the owner or other natural person as defined in section 244.1840(3) shall provide proof of prior attendance and successful completion within one (1) year prior to the date of application of a recognized fundamentals of rental property management course approved by the director of regulatory services. (99-Or-163, § 8, 12-17-99; 2009-Or-044, § 3, 5-22-09; 2012-Or-059, § 3, 8-17-12; 2015-Or-051, § 2, 7-10-15; Ord. No. 2019-035, § 1, 8-23-19)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1950 Tenant relocation assistance required.

244.1950. - Tenant relocation assistance required. (a) When a rental dwelling license or provisional license has been revoked, denied, or canceled based on condemnation, such action having been attributable to inadequate maintenance or management by the landlord, the landlord, as that term is defined in Minn. Statute Section 504B.001, shall pay relocation assistance to the tenant of any affected dwelling unit occupied at any point between the date the revocation, denial or cancelation is noticed and the date the revocation, denial or cancelation becomes final. The requirement imposed by this subsection to pay relocation assistance shall also apply to any tenants a landlord allows to occupy an affected dwelling unit after the revocation, denial, or cancelation becomes final and prior to the issuance of a new and valid rental dwelling license. The requirement shall additionally apply when tenants are required to vacate an unlicensed dwelling unit pursuant to section 244.1970, when such vacation is caused by the landlord or property owner's failure to obtain or qualify for a valid and current rental dwelling license or provisional license, after notice, upon proper application as required by this chapter. Upon the commencement or occurrence of a qualifying revocation, denial or cancelation action, the city shall notify the landlord of the requirements of this section, and provide a copy of such notice to the tenants. The relocation assistance shall be in an amount equal to three (3) months of the current total monthly contract rent, or actual rent if demonstrably higher. The relocation assistance shall be paid without regard to whether the tenant is current on rent or other charges or fees owed, and not later than the day the tenant is ordered to vacate pursuant to sections 244.1970 or 244.1925 of this Code, or within seven (7) days of the revocation, denial or cancelation action becoming final, whichever is sooner. The landlord shall be required to provide sufficient records and proof of compliance with the terms of this section, in a manner established or ordered by the director or the director's designee. Should a landlord dispute a determination made by the director or the director's designee pursuant to this section, the dispute shall be subject to an expedited appeal hearing to be conducted and determined by an administrative hearing officer pursuant to Chapter 2 of this Code. (b) In addition to any other remedy available at equity or law, including but not limited to the rent escrow provisions and other actions and defenses authorized by Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 504B, failure to comply with the provisions of this section may result in criminal prosecution, adverse rental license action against all rental dwelling licenses in which the owner maintains an interest, and/or administrative enforcement, fines, restrictions, or penalties as provided in Chapter 2 or any other applicable section of this Code. A violation of this section as to each dwelling unit shall constitute a separate offense. A notice of violation, as described in section 244.150, shall not be required to establish or enforce a violation of this article. The requirements of this section are enacted as a health and safety law of the City of Minneapolis, as that term is utilized pursuant to Minn. Statute Section 504B.161. (c) Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the administrative fine for a violation of this section shall be the sum of any outstanding or delinquent amount of relocation assistance plus five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each affected dwelling unit. The city may establish a program or process to advance the relocation assistance amounts owed to tenants under this section that utilizes any available funding or budgetary source, and shall further be authorized to collect any delinquent amounts owed pursuant to this section through any available and authorized method. (d) This section shall become effective June 1, 2020. (Ord. No. 2019-058, § 1, 12-13-19; 2020-030, § 1, 6-12-20)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1960 Appeals procedure.

244.1960. - Appeals procedure. (a) Any person wishing to appeal a determination of the director recommending denial, nonrenewal, revocation, or suspension of a license or provisional license, or that conditions or restrictions be placed on a license or provisional license, shall file a written notice of appeal with the department of regulatory services within fifteen (15) days after receipt of the notice of denial, nonrenewal, revocation, suspension, or determination recommending conditions or restrictions. The notice shall contain a statement of the grounds for the appeal. The notice of appeal shall be accompanied by a fee of three hundred dollars ($300.00). All appeals shall be heard by an administrative hearing officer pursuant to Title 1, Chapter 2 of this Code. (b) At the hearing, the hearing officer shall hear all relevant evidence and argument. The hearing officer may admit and give probative effect to evidence that possesses probative value commonly accepted by reasonably prudent persons in the conduct of their affairs. The hearing officer shall record the hearing and keep a record of documentary evidence submitted. (c) The hearing officer shall render a decision in writing within thirty (30) days after the close of the hearing. The decision shall determine whether the building, or dwelling units therein, meets the licensing standards of sections 244.1910, 244.1920, or 244.2020, and shall specify the factual and legal basis for the determination. (d) The hearing officer shall mail a copy of the decision to the license holder or applicant and to each licensed dwelling unit. (e) The hearing officer shall refer the decision to the city council, which shall have final authority to issue, deny, renew, revoke, or suspend the license. The city council may hear argument from the license holder/applicant, but shall take no further evidence. The city council may affirm, modify, or reverse the decision of the hearing officer. (f) The final decision of the city council shall be mailed to the license holder or applicant. (g) A notice to tenants of the final decision shall be mailed to each occupant and prominently posted on the building. The notice shall indicate the date upon which tenants must vacate the building and shall clearly indicate which dwelling units are affected. The notice shall indicate that further information and relocation assistance can be obtained from the City of Minneapolis Housing Services Office. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 99-Or-163, § 10, 12-17-99; 2009-Or-042, § 2, 5-22-09; 2013-Or-040, § 2, 4-12-13; 2013-Or-161, § 49, 12-6-13)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1970 Vacation of affected dwelling units.

244.1970. - Vacation of affected dwelling units. When an application for rental dwelling license has been denied, or a rental dwelling license or provisional license has been revoked, suspended, or not renewed, or when the owner has not obtained a current rental dwelling license or provisional license upon proper application as required by this chapter, the director of regulatory services shall order the dwelling or the affected dwelling units therein vacated, giving tenants a reasonable time to arrange new housing and to move their possessions. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 96-Or-129, § 2, 12-13-96; 2013-Or-161, § 50, 12-6-13)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1980 Operation of rental dwelling without license a misdemeanor.

244.1980. - Operation of rental dwelling without license a misdemeanor. (a) A person who allows to be occupied, lets or offers to let to another, any dwelling unit, without a license as required by this article, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable as provided in Section 1.30 of this Code. (b) The practice of pre-leasing new rental construction shall be exempt from the provisions of this section. (c) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), if a new rental construction has not received a certificate of occupancy on or before the move-in date established in the lease agreement, the tenant shall be entitled to select one (1) of the three (3) following remedies: (1) Alternative housing provided by the landlord that is reasonably equivalent to the unit described in the lease agreement until said unit may be lawfully inhabited; (2) Reimbursement by cash or check from the landlord of the total rent paid by the tenant each month, as established in the lease agreement, to mitigate the costs of alternative housing secured by the tenant until the unit described in the lease may be lawfully inhabited; or (3) An option to withdraw from the lease agreement, in which case the landlord shall return to the tenant all amounts paid to the landlord, including without limitation any rent and any other payment incurred in entering into the lease that is not otherwise governed by state law. The remedies available under this subdivision shall be available in addition to any other remedies available at equity or law. Any landlord that does not abide by this subdivision may be subject to administrative citations or adverse rental license action.(90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 96-Or-129, § 3, 12-13-96; 2008-Or-016, § 5, 2-29-08; Ord. No. 2023-065, § 1, 12-7-23)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1985 Unauthorized removal of notices a misdemeanor.

244.1985. - Unauthorized removal of notices a misdemeanor. Any person who removes, defaces, tampers or in any way interferes with any notice posted pursuant to this article, is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable as provided in section 1.30 of this Code. (99-Or-163, § 11, 12-17-99)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1990 Remedies in this article not exclusive.

244.1990. - Remedies in this article not exclusive. The remedies provided in this article are not exclusive. They are in addition to, and do not supersede or preempt, other remedies such as condemnation, written violation orders and warnings, criminal charges for violation of substantive provisions of any city or state code relating to housing maintenance, fire safety, building codes, zoning, health, and the like. Further, the remedies in this article do not supersede or affect the legal rights and remedies of tenants provided under state law or this Code. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.2000 Duties of Licensee.

244.2000. - Duties of Licensee. Every holder of a rental dwelling license or provisional license shall: (1) Post his or her license certificate, along with any other required informational posting as approved by the director of regulatory services, when the certificate or required informational posting is received from the director of regulatory services. If the informational posting is provided in a color format, the posting or any replacement posting must also be in color and the posting and license shall at all times be clearly and readily legible and visible. In multiple dwelling buildings, the certificate and required informational posting shall be conspicuously posted in a frame or frames with transparent cover in the common area immediately adjoining the front or principal entrance of the building. If there exists no such qualifying common area in the multiple dwelling building, the certificate and required informational posting shall be prominently posted within each dwelling unit, at or near the front or principal entrance. For other than multiple dwellings, the certificate and required informational posting shall be prominently posted at or near the front or principal entrance of the building. (2) Maintain a current register of all tenants and other persons with a lawful right of occupancy to a dwelling unit and the corresponding floor number, and unit number and/or letter and/or designation, within the building. The register shall be kept current at all times. The licensee shall designate the person who has possession of the register. The register shall be available for review by the director or their authorized representatives at all times. (3) Permit the director of regulatory services and the director's authorized representatives, either voluntarily or pursuant to an administrative or other warrant, to enter upon the premises for the purpose of conducting inspections to verify compliance with the housing maintenance code, and the fire, health, zoning and building codes of the city. Such inspections shall be made at such frequencies as the director in their sole judgment shall deem appropriate and necessary, and when practical shall provide reasonable advance notice to the license holder or a managing agent. This may include a lead paint inspection conducted by the Commissioner of Health or their designee to determine the location and condition of existing lead paint on the property, including interior and exterior building components and soil from the property. (4) The owner of any dwelling which is required to be licensed by this chapter shall, prior to the time of sale of said dwelling, notify the buyer in writing of all unabated orders and violation tags issued by the department of regulatory services pertaining to said dwelling, as well as the requirement of law that said dwelling, upon acquisition by a new owner, must be licensed with the director of regulatory services. A copy of the notification shall be mailed to the director of regulatory services within five (5) days of furnishing the notification to the buyer. If the dwelling is owned by a corporation, an officer of said corporation shall carry out the notification required by this section. If the property is owned by more than one (1) person, a notification by one (1) of the owners shall satisfy this section. For the purposes of this section, "time of sale" shall be construed to mean when a written purchase agreement is executed by the buyer or, in the absence of a purchase agreement, upon the execution of any document providing for the conveyance of a dwelling required to be licensed. (5) Upon written order of the director of regulatory services or an authorized representative of the director, the licensee shall provide the director or authorized representative, within the ten (10) days, the following information: the number of dwelling, rooming, and shared bath units in the building, specifying for each unit, the floor number, and unit number and/or letter and/or designation. (6) Beginning March 1, 2016, and continuing thereafter, the owner of any dwelling which is required to be licensed by this chapter shall provide information about how a voter may register in the State of Minnesota, in a manner approved by the city, to all tenants aged eighteen (18) or older at the time of first occupancy. (7) Submit current application information as required by section 244.1860 of this chapter. (8) Disclosures; before signing lease. The owner of any dwelling which is required to be licensed by this chapter shall provide information regarding the rental property, in a manner approved by the director of regulatory services, to all prospective tenants prior to entering into a lease with the prospective tenant. Such information shall include: a. Prior to commencement of the tenancy or within the rental agreement there shall be disclosed to the residential tenant the name and contact information of the person authorized to manage the premises and the name and physical address of the landlord or an agent authorized by the landlord to accept service of process and receive and give receipt for notices and demands; b. The rental license tier status of the property; c. Information regarding violations of the housing code that contributed to the tier status of the property; d. A copy of all unabated orders and violation tags affecting the dwelling unit or common areas of the property; e. An overview of how garbage, recycling, and organics recycling are managed at the property pursuant to Chapter 225 Article VI. Recycling at Buildings Having Two (2) or More Dwelling Units; and f. Any tenant to whom such disclosures were not made may terminate the lease after notice to the property owner. The time of the notice must be as long as the interval between the time rent is due or three (3) months, whichever is less. (9) Disclosures; after signing lease. The owner of any dwelling which is required to be licensed by this chapter shall provide information on the rights of renters, in a manner approved by the director of regulatory services, to all tenants within ninety (90) days of the start date of the lease. Such information shall include: a. Rights protected by federal law, state law, and city ordinance; b. Contact information for the department of regulatory services; and c. Such other information that the director of regulatory services deems necessary. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 91-Or-016, § 1, 1-25-91; 97-Or-056, § 9, 6-27-97; 2007-Or-032, § 1, 5-11-07; 2012-Or-062, § 1, 9-21-12; 2013-Or-161, § 51 , 12-6-13; 2015-Or-080, § 1, 9-25-15; Ord. No. 2024-028, § 1, 8-15-24; Ord. No. 2025-063, § 4, 12-11-25)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.2010 Notices.

244.2010. - Notices. Whenever a notice is required to be sent to or served upon the licensee of a rental dwelling under this article, notice shall be deemed sufficient if sent by first class mail to the owner or owner's designated agent at the address specified in the last license application filed in the department of regulatory services under section 244.1840. If a notice sent to the address specified in the last license application is returned, and the owner or owner's agent cannot be found, then notice shall be sent to the person designated in the last license application, under subsection 244.1840(3), as responsible for the maintenance and management of the premises, or any other known caretaker or manager, and a notice shall also be posted on the building. Every licensee shall notify the department of regulatory services within ten (10) days of any changes in the names, addresses, and other information concerning the persons listed in the last license application filed with the department. Whenever notice is required to be sent or delivered to tenants of a dwelling unit under this article, notice shall be sufficient if sent by first class mail to the tenants or occupants of each licensed dwelling unit at the address specified in the license application or the register that the licensee maintains pursuant to section 244.2000(b). (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 99-Or-163, § 12, 12-17-99; 2013-Or-161, § 52 , 12-6-13)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.2020 Conduct on licensed premises.

244.2020. - Conduct on licensed premises. (a) Purposes and qualifying incidents. For the purposes of enhancing the livability of residential communities inclusive of both homeowners and tenants, appropriately and effectively addressing and preventing instances of disruptive criminal and nuisance conduct in such communities, ensuring that rental dwellings are managed and occupied in a responsible manner, and discouraging unnecessary tenant displacement, the city shall implement a conduct on licensed premises program as specified in this section. It shall be the responsibility of the holder of a rental dwelling license to take appropriate action, with the assistance of crime prevention specialists, regulatory services staff and other assigned personnel of the city, following conduct by tenants and/or their guests on the licensed premises which is determined to be in violation of any of the following statutes or ordinances, to prevent further violations. (1) Minnesota Statutes, Sections 609.75 through 609.76, which prohibit gambling; (2) Minnesota Statutes, Section 609.321 through 609.324, which prohibits prostitution, sex trafficking and acts relating thereto; (3) Minnesota Statutes, Sections 152.01 through 152.025, and Section 152.027, Subdivisions 1 and 2, which prohibit the unlawful sale or possession of controlled substances; (4) Minnesota Statutes, Section 340A.401, which prohibits the unlawful sale of alcoholic beverages; (5) Section 389.65 of this Code, which prohibits noisy assemblies; (6) Minnesota Statutes, Sections 97B.021, 97B.045, 609.66 through 609.67 and 624.712 through 624.716, and sections 393.40, 393.50, 393.70, 393.80, 393.90 and 393.150 of this Code, which prohibit the unlawful possession, transportation, sale or use of a weapon; or (7) Minnesota Statutes, Section 609.72, and section 385.90 of this Code, which prohibit disorderly conduct, when the violation disturbs the peace and quiet of the occupants of at least two (2) units on the licensed premises or other premises, other than the unit occupied by the person(s) committing the violation; or when at least two (2) distinct violations, separated by no more than sixty (60) days, disturb the peace and quiet of at least one (1) unit on the licensed premises or other premises, other than the unit occupied by the person(s) committing the violation, and the violations are reported by distinct and separate complaints. (b) Collaborative enforcement and administration responsibility. The department of regulatory services, with assistance from crime prevention and community navigation and outreach staff of the police department and other designated or participating city staff, shall be responsible for enforcement and administration of this section. (c) Notifications to licensees and tenants. Upon determination by a crime prevention specialist, based on a review of an applicable police report, that a licensed premises was used in a qualifying manner, as described in subsection (a), a crime prevention specialist shall notify the licensee and tenants by mail of the qualifying incident. The notices shall, at a minimum, describe the nature of the qualifying incident, the address and/or unit involved, and a case number. (1) The notice to the licensee shall provide the contact information for the assigned crime prevention specialist along with a request for the licensee to contact the crime prevention specialist to provide any relevant additional or follow-up information or to discuss possible services or strategies to address the qualifying incident or any current or continuing issues at the rental property. The notice shall also describe the requirement of subsection (f) regarding the licensee's duty to report any eviction actions or notices to vacate. Should the crime prevention specialist deem it appropriate to require that the licensee contact or meet with any city officials, the notification may contain such a requirement, providing a reasonable time not less than ten (10) calendar days for such contact, discussion or meeting to occur. A failure of the licensee to contact or meet with the crime prevention specialist if required shall be a violation of this section and may be subject to adverse license action, administrative enforcement, or an intervention plan as described in subsection (d)(6). (2) The notice to the tenant shall include a copy of the notice sent to the licensee and may also provide information on how the tenant may submit to the city any voluntary follow-up information regarding the qualifying incident or any current and continuing issues being experienced at the rental property. The notice may also describe available services, programs or resources or other relevant information of potential assistance to the tenant. (d) Interdisciplinary review panel. All rental dwelling properties at which a qualifying incident occurs and a notice is sent shall be referred by crime prevention specialists to an interdisciplinary review panel. (1) The panel shall be convened at regular intervals or as needed at the call of the director of regulatory services or the director's designee, who shall host, coordinate and convene the panel. The city council, through subsequent legislative or budgetary action, may designate a different city department or official to host, coordinate and convene the panel. (2) The membership of the panel may include representatives or designees of the departments of regulatory services, health, and the city attorney, as well as crime prevention specialists or community navigators of the police department and other appropriate city staff, as well as representatives from public or private community, business or social service organizations and entities. The director of regulatory services, or other designated city official, shall keep records of the membership of the panel and the actions and determinations made by the panel. (3) The panel shall hear reports regarding, and consider appropriate actions to be offered or taken, related to all referred properties. The panel shall operate informally and endeavor to make its determinations and recommendations in collaboration and by consensus and shall not be required to operate pursuant to parliamentary procedure. In the event the panel is unable to reach consensus, the director of regulatory services or the director's designee may make any required determination or recommendation. The city council, through legislative or budgetary action, may designate a different city department or official to make any required determination or recommendation as required by this subsection. (4) The panel may take the following actions upon review of case files referred to it, after consideration of the record and any input received from the licensee or the tenants, and with due regard given to the nature and severity of the qualifying incident, the size of the building and any other relevant circumstances: a. Upon a review of the case file, the panel may designate any qualifying property as resolved, thereby terminating the property's current inclusion in the conduct on licensed premises program subject to reentry as necessary should additional qualifying incidents occur. b. Upon a review of the case file, the panel may also designate any qualifying property as subject to additional monitoring by crime prevention specialists for a period not to exceed one (1) year, and no further action under this section shall be taken unless another qualifying incident occurs within the prescribed time frame. The licensee or tenants of any such property may be offered any appropriate identified services, resources or referrals. c. Upon a review of the case file, the panel may designate any other qualifying property for an intervention plan. Such a plan may prescribe reasonable required actions to be taken by the licensee, including, but not limited to, participation in designated meetings, consultations, programs or mediations, submission of management or incident response plans to be approved by the city, or attendance at city-approved or city-provided rental property management workshops or classes. An intervention plan may also propose conditions or restrictions to be placed upon continued maintenance, renewal or issuance of the licensee's rental dwelling license or licenses, subject to the appeal provisions of section 259.165. An intervention plan may also recommend adverse license action, inclusive of rental dwelling license revocation, denial, nonrenewal or suspension, provided that at least three (3) separate qualifying incidents under this section have occurred within a three (3) year period for buildings between one (1) and six (6) distinct and separate residential units, or a two (2) year period for buildings between seven (7) and fifty (50) distinct and separate residential units, or a one (1) year period for buildings larger than fifty (50) distinct and separate residential units. Any intervention plan proposal shall be served upon the licensee by mail or in-person and shall afford the licensee twenty (20) days to appeal any mandatory requirements of the proposal. Any appeal of a mandatory intervention plan shall be heard pursuant to the process provided by section 259.255. (e) Compliance with applicable law required. All actions taken in the administration and enforcement of the conduct on licensed premises program by any participant, inclusive of city staff and rental dwelling license holders, shall conform with all applicable law, specifically including the provisions of Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 504B, Landlord and Tenant and Section 504B.205, Residential Tenant's Right to Seek Police and Emergency Assistance. No adverse action shall be taken pursuant to this section against a licensee for an instance of conduct in which police or other emergency services respond to a report of domestic violence, domestic abuse, a health-related emergency, or any other similar tenant assistance response. (f) Duty to report any eviction actions or notices to vacate. Any time that a licensee who becomes subject to the provisions of this section initiates an eviction action or issues a notice to vacate in relation to any qualifying incident the licensee shall notify the crime prevention specialist assigned to the matter within ten (10) calendar days. It shall be the policy of the City of Minneapolis to refrain from encouraging or directing the eviction, vacation or displacement of any subject residential rental tenant as part of the conduct on licensed premises program; instead such actions shall be entirely in the discretion of the licensee and shall be undertaken in strict conformance with all applicable laws. (g) Evidentiary standard. A determination that the licensed premises have been used in a qualifying manner as described in subsection (a) shall be made upon substantial evidence to support such a determination and must be supported by an official police report. It shall not be necessary that criminal charges be brought to support a determination of disorderly use, nor shall the fact of dismissal or acquittal of such a criminal charge operate as a bar to adverse license action under this section. (90-Or-235, § 6, 9-14-90; 91-Or-071, § 1, 4-26-91; 92-Or-019, §§ 1, 2, 2-21-92; 95-Or-097, § 5, 6-30-95; Ord. No. 98-Or-142, § 1, 12-4-98; 99-Or-163, § 13, 12-17-99; 2004-Or-112, § 2, 10-8-04; 2005-Or-142, § 1, 12-23-05; 2008-Or-090, § 1, 11-21-08; 2013-Or-161, § 53 , 12-6-13; 2015-Or-051, § 3, 7-10-15; Ord. No. 2018-064, § 1, 11-2-18)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.2030 Applicant screening criteria for prospective tenants.

244.2030. - Applicant screening criteria for prospective tenants. (a) Findings and purpose. As a home rule charter city, Minneapolis has broad authority through its police powers to enact regulation to further the public health, safety, and general welfare: (1) The city has adopted policies that identify support for renters and ending racial disparities as priorities, including Minneapolis 2040, the Unified Housing Policy, the Renter-First Policy, and the Strategic and Racial Equity Action Plan. (2) The persistent low vacancy rate, increases in rent, and stagnant wages for renters have made it difficult for renters to access safe, affordable housing in Minneapolis. (3) The vacancy rate in Minneapolis has remained below five (5) percent since 2015 and is even lower for apartment units under one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) in monthly rent. (4) Since 2000, housing costs for renters have increased by seventeen (17) percent, while renter income has increased by only four (4) percent. (5) Renters comprise the majority of households in Minneapolis, growing by nearly fourteen thousand (14,000) households (a seventeen (17) percent increase) between 2000 and 2017. (6) Renters are more likely to be low-income than homeowners and households of color are more likely to rent than white households. (7) Of the more than eighty-nine thousand (89,000) renter households in Minneapolis, nearly fifty thousand (50,000) earned less than sixty (60) percent of area median income in 2016. (8) Three (3) out of four (4) low income households (earning less than fifty (50) percent of area median income) in Minneapolis are housing cost-burdened, paying more than thirty (30) percent of their income for rent. (9) As many as one-third (⅓) of adults in the United States have a criminal history. (10) Access to housing is one (1) of the key factors to prevent recidivism. (11) Across the country, African Americans and Hispanics are incarcerated at much higher rates than their share of the population. (12) As of January 2019, African Americans make up thirty-four and one-half (34.5) percent of the Minnesota prison population, while comprising only six and one-half (6.5) percent of the state's population as a whole (as of 2017). (13) American Indians make up nine (9) percent of the Minnesota prison population, while comprising only one and one-tenth (1.1) percent of the population as a whole (as of 2017). (14) The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development issued guidance in April 2016 regarding the Fair Housing Act and the use of criminal history in tenant screening finding that criminal history based restrictions violate the Fair Housing Act if "without justification, their burden falls more often on renters or other housing market participants of one (1) race or national origin over another." (15) The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development identified individualized assessments as the preferred mechanism for housing providers to fairly screen individuals with criminal history barriers. (16) Sociological research does not support the idea that a criminal record provides accurate information about the potential for housing success. (17) Studies demonstrate the risk of a new offense by someone who has committed an offense in the past declines over time. (18) With an eviction on record, it becomes harder to secure safe, stable housing. (19) Evictions disproportionately affect the city's lowest income residents in the most racially diverse communities. (20) About sixty-four million (64,000,000) people in the United States have no credit history or lack sufficient credit history to generate a credit score with the major credit bureaus. (21) A 2013 Federal Trade Commission Study found that one (1) in five (5) consumers had an error on at least one (1) of their three (3) credit reports. (22) Numerous studies find that credit scoring systems have disparate impacts on communities of color. (23) Credit scores by themselves typically are not based upon the applicant's history of rent payment and do not necessarily predict the likelihood of paying rent on a regular and timely basis. (24) Increasing housing access and promoting housing stability directly furthers the health, safety, and welfare of the city's residents. (25) The city will continue to monitor and improve this ordinance based on new information, including tenant and property owner experiences, research and market conditions, as it becomes available. (b) Screening criteria made available. Before accepting applications for rental housing, a landlord must make readily available to all applicants the landlord's rental screening criteria in as much detail as is feasible. (c) Inclusive screening criteria. A landlord must either conduct the individualized assessment required by subdivision (d) below, or apply inclusive screening criteria that do not reject an applicant for any of the following reasons: (1) Criminal history. a. Any arrest in an inactive case that did not result in conviction; b. Participation in or completion of a diversion or a deferral of judgment program, including stays of adjudication and continuances for dismissal or without prosecution; c. Any conviction that has been vacated or expunged, or for which the applicant received a stay of imposition of sentencing and complied with the terms of the stay; d. Any conviction for a crime that is no longer illegal in the state of Minnesota; e. Any conviction or any other determination or adjudication in the juvenile justice system; f. Any conviction for misdemeanor offenses for which the dates of sentencing are older than three (3) years; g. Any criminal conviction for felony offenses for which the dates of sentencing are older than seven (7) years; however, a landlord may deny an applicant who has been convicted of the illegal manufacture or distribution of a controlled substance as defined in section 102 of the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. 802) or for those same offenses that mandate denial of tenancy in federally assisted housing subject to federal regulations, including but not limited to when any member of the household is subject to a lifetime sex offender registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program; or h. Any criminal conviction for the following felony offenses for which the dates of sentencing are older than ten (10) years: 1. First-degree assault (Minn. Statutes Section 609.221); 2. First-degree arson (Minn. Statutes Section 609.561); 3. Aggravated robbery (Minn. Statutes Section 609.245); 4. First-degree murder (Minnesota Statutes Section 609.185); 5. Second-degree murder (Minn. Statutes Section 609.19); 6. Third-degree murder (Minn. Statutes Section 609.195); 7. First-degree manslaughter (Minn. Statutes Section 609.20, subd. 1, 2, and 5); 8. Kidnapping (Minn. Statutes Section 609.25, subd. 2(2)); or 9. First-degree criminal sexual conduct (Minn. Statutes Section 609.342, subd. 1(b) and (g)). (2) Credit history. a. Credit score by itself, although information within a credit report directly relevant to fitness as a tenant can be relied upon by a landlord; or b. Insufficient credit history, unless the applicant in bad faith withholds credit history information that might otherwise form a basis for denial. (3) Rental history. a. An eviction action pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 504B if the action: 1. Was dismissed or resulted in a judgment for the applicant before the applicant submits the application; 2. Was settled with no judgment or writ of recovery issued that was entered one (1) or more years before the applicant submits the application; 3. Resulted in a judgment against the applicant that was entered three (3) or more years before the applicant submits the application; or b. Insufficient rental history, unless the applicant in bad faith withholds rental history information that might otherwise form a basis for denial. c. If a landlord uses a minimum income test requiring an income equal to three (3) times the rent or higher, the landlord must allow an exception to that test where the applicant can demonstrate a history of successful rent payment with an income less than three (3) times the rent. (d) Individualized assessment. A landlord that applies screening criteria that are more prohibitive than the inclusive screening criteria set forth in subdivision (c) must conduct an individualized assessment for any basis upon which the landlord intends to deny an application. In evaluating an applicant using individualized assessment, a landlord must accept and consider all supplemental evidence provided with a completed application to explain, justify, or negate the relevance of potentially negative information revealed by screening. Supplemental evidence refers to any written information submitted by the applicant in addition to that provided on the landlord's form application that the applicant believes to be relevant to the applicant's predicted performance as a tenant. When evaluating the effect of supplemental evidence on a landlord's decision of acceptance or denial of an applicant, the landlord must also consider: (1) The nature and severity of the incidents that would lead to a denial; (2) The number and type of the incidents; (3) The time that has elapsed since the date the incidents occurred; and (4) The age of the individual at the time the incidents occurred. (e) Prohibition on immigration status inquiry. (1) No owner, operator, landlord, or their agent may: a. Make any inquiry regarding or based on the immigration or citizenship status of an applicant, tenant, occupant, or prospective occupant of a rental dwelling. b. Require that any tenant, prospective tenant, occupant, or prospective occupant of the rental dwelling disclose or make any statement, representation, or certification concerning his or her immigration or citizenship status. c. Deny a rental application solely because the applicant provided an individual taxpayer identification number. (2) Exceptions. This subsection does not prohibit a person from doing any of the following: a. Complying with any legal obligation related to determining immigration status under state or federal law, including, but not limited to, any legal obligation under any federal government program that provides for rent limitations or rental assistance to a qualified tenant, or a subpoena, warrant, or other order issued by a court; b. Requesting information or documentation necessary to determine or verify the financial qualifications of a prospective tenant, or to determine or verify the identity of a prospective tenant or prospective occupant; or c. Requesting immigration status information to connect a tenant, prospective tenant, occupant, or prospective occupant with supportive services or programs where immigration status is an eligibility criteria. (3) Retaliation prohibited. No owner, operator, landlord, or their agent may increase rent, decrease services, alter an existing rental agreement, file a legal action against a tenant or applicant, contact federal or state law enforcement related to a tenant's or applicant's immigration status, or seek to recover possession or threaten any such action in whole or in part in retaliation after a tenant or applicant has: a. Reported a code violation, including a violation of this section, to a government agency, elected official, or other government official responsible for the enforcement of a building, housing, health, safety or other code; b. Reported a building, housing, health, or safety code violation, or a violation of this section, to a community organization or the news media; c. Sought the assistance of a community organization or others, including but not limited to a media or news organization, for assistance with a code violation or a violation of this section; d. Made a request that the owner, operator, landlord, or their agent of a residential building make repairs to the premises as required by this chapter, or remedy a building or health code, other regulation, or uphold portions of the residential rental agreement; e. Joined or attempted to join a tenant association or similar organization; or f. Testified in any court or administrative proceeding concerning the condition of the premises or exercised any right or remedy provided by law. (f) Denials. (1) Inclusive screening criteria. If a denial is based on the inclusive screening criteria of subdivision (c), a landlord shall notify the applicant in writing within fourteen (14) days of rejecting a rental application and identify the specific criteria the applicant failed to meet. Before denying an applicant for criminal history, a landlord must consider supplemental evidence provided by the applicant if provided at the time of application submittal. (2) Individualized assessment. After performing an individualized assessment pursuant to subdivision (d), a landlord may deny an applicant if the denial is non-discriminatory in accordance with the Fair Housing Act. A landlord shall notify the applicant within fourteen (14) days of rejecting a rental application and such notification shall include the following: a. The basis for denial; and b. The supplemental evidence, if any, that the landlord considered and an explanation of the reasons that the supplemental evidence did not adequately compensate for the factors that informed the landlord's decision to reject the application. The notification shall be in writing and retained by the landlord for a period of two (2) years. A landlord shall provide a copy to the department of regulatory services upon request of the director of regulatory services or the director's designee. (g) Exception. Whenever local, state, or federal funding or loan requirements for tenant screening conflict with any portion of this section 244.2030, the funding or loan requirements will take precedence over only those portions in conflict. (h) Enforcement. In addition to any other remedy available at equity or law, failure to comply with the provisions of this section 244.2030 may result in criminal prosecution, adverse rental license action, and/or administrative fines, restrictions, or penalties as provided in chapter 2 of this Code. A notice of violation, as described in section 244.150, shall not be required in order to establish or enforce a violation of this section. Any tenant, prospective tenant, occupant, or prospective occupant aggrieved by noncompliance of an operator, landlord, or their agent with this section may seek redress in any court of competent jurisdiction to the extent permitted by law. (i) Severability. If any of the parts or provisions of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this section, including the application of such part or provisions to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this section are severable. (Ord. No. 2019-038, § 3, 9-13-19, eff. 6-1-20; Ord. No. 2026-007, § 1, 4-23-26)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.2040 Security deposits.

244.2040. - Security deposits. (a) Definitions. As used in this section, the following words shall mean: Referral. Written documentation maintained by the landlord that the tenancy of the dwelling unit was coordinated with a non-profit service provider or government agency. Security deposit. Security deposit has the meaning stated in Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.178. Single month rent. For a lease in which rent is paid once each month in the same amount, single month rent means that amount. When a tenant's rent is supplemented by a rental subsidy, rent means the total contract rent for the dwelling unit. For a lease in which rent is paid once each period in the same amount but the period is not one (1) month, single month rent means that amount divided by the number of days in the period and then multiplied by thirty (30). For other leases, single month rent means the total amount of rent due under the anticipated length of the lease divided by the number of days in the anticipated length of the lease and then multiplied by thirty (30). (b) Limit on security deposit amount. No landlord shall demand, charge, accept, or retain from a tenant more than a single month rent as a security deposit. Provided, however, if the lease or other agreement requires the tenant to pay before the tenancy starts or any time prior to the end of the first month of tenancy more than the first installment of rent plus the deposit, then the landlord shall not demand, charge, accept, or retain more than one-half (½) of a single month rent as a security deposit. In this situation, no landlord shall deny a tenant's request to pay the security deposit in installments over a period of up to three (3) months in installment amounts reasonably requested by the tenant. For dwelling units subject to a referral between the landlord and non-profit service provider or government agency, the maximum security deposit amount is limited to one and a half (1½) of a single month rent. Any security deposit furnished herein shall be governed by the provisions of Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.178, together with this section. (c) Notice of rights. Contemporaneously with a landlord's obligation to return the deposit, transfer the deposit, or provide a written statement pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.178, a landlord must also deliver to the tenant a written notice of rights under state law and local ordinance regarding security deposits in a form and manner approved by the city. (d) Enforcement. In addition to any other remedy available at equity or law, failure to comply with the provisions of this section may result in criminal prosecution, adverse rental license action, and/or administrative fines, restrictions, or penalties as provided in chapter 2 of this Code. A notice of violation, as described in section 244.150, shall not be required in order to establish or enforce a violation of this section. (e) Severability. If any of the parts or provisions of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this section, including the application of such part or provisions to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this section are severable. (f) Effective date.This section shall become effective June 1, 2020. (Ord. No. 2019-038, § 4, 9-13-19, eff. 6-1-20)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.2050 Reserved.

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.2060 Notice required prior to initiating eviction proceedings.

244.2060. - Notice required prior to initiating eviction proceedings. (a) At least thirty (30) days before bringing an eviction action alleging nonpayment of rent or other unpaid financial obligations in violation of the lease, a landlord must provide written notice to the residential tenant specifying the basis for future eviction action. (b) For an allegation of nonpayment of rent or other unpaid financial obligations in violation of the lease, the landlord must include the following in the written notice: (1) The total amount due; (2) A specific accounting of the amount of the total due that is comprised of unpaid rents, late fees, or other charges under the lease; and (3) The name and address of the person authorized to receive rent and fees on behalf of the landlord. (c) A notice provided under this section must: (1) Provide a description of how to access legal and financial assistance through information posted on the city's website; and (2) State that the landlord may bring an eviction action following expiration of the thirty (30) day notice period if the tenant fails to pay the total amount due or fails to vacate. (d) The landlord or an agent of the landlord must deliver the notice personally or by first-class mail to the address of the leased premises. The notice may, in addition to but not in place of personal delivery or first class mail, be delivered by email or other electronic means to the residential tenant at the residential tenant' s email address or electronic account on file with the landlord. (e) If the tenant fails to correct the rent delinquency within thirty (30) days of delivery or mailing of the notice, or fails to vacate, the landlord may bring an eviction action under Minnesota Statutes Section 504B.321. (f) Enforcement. In addition to any other remedy available at equity or law, failure to comply with the provisions of this section may result in criminal prosecution, adverse rental license action, and/or administrative fines, restrictions, or penalties as provided in chapter 2 of this Code. A notice of violation, as described in section 244.150, shall not be required in order to establish or enforce a violation of this section. (g) Severability. If any of the parts or provisions of this section or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of this section, including the application of such part or provisions to persons or circumstances other than those to which it is held invalid, shall not be affected thereby and shall continue in full force and effect. To this end, the provisions of this section are severable. (Ord. No. 2021-025, § 1, 5-28-21; Ord. No. 2024-032, § 1, 9-19-24)

Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.2070 Prohibition on use of rent-setting algorithms.

244.2070. - Prohibition on use of rent-setting algorithms. An owner or operator may not use an algorithmic device when setting rents or occupancy levels for dwelling units. To the extent permitted by law, tenants may bring a civil action in district court to recover compensatory damages and reasonable attorney's fees and costs from a owner or operator found to have violated this section. (Ord. No. 2025-010, § 1, 3-27-25)

Source: City of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Code of Ordinances, City Charter and Park and Recreation Board Code of Ordinances (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/mn/minneapolis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_TIT12HO_CH244MACO_ARTXVIREDWLIFetched: 11/2/2026