Rental Inspections in Stearns County, MN (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Stearns County, Minnesota.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Stearns County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Inspection Programs

Stearns County runs a complaint-driven rental inspection program under Ordinance 272: the Environmental Services Director inspects during daylight hours on a complaint or reasonable belief of a violation, can seek a court order if an owner refuses entry, and can declare a unit unfit for habitation.

Stearns County Rental Dwelling Inspection Program

Some Restrictions

Stearns County Ordinance No. 272, Sections 7.0, 7.1

The Director shall be the Compliance Official who shall administer and enforce the provisions of this Ordinance. The Compliance Official is authorized to cause inspections on a complaint basis for rental dwelling units, or otherwise when reason exists to believe that a violation of this Ordinance has been or is being committed. Inspections shall be conducted during daylight hours and the Compli...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tenant Complaint Process

Stearns County's Compliance Official inspects rental dwelling units under Ordinance No. 272 on a complaint basis or whenever a violation is suspected, presenting official credentials to the occupant or owner. If an owner refuses entry, the Compliance Official can get a court order under Section 7.1. A tenant whose complaint is later ruled invalid can be billed for the investigation under Section 7.6.

Stearns County Rental Complaint Inspections

Some Restrictions

Stearns County Ordinance No. 272, Sections 7.0, 7.6

The Compliance Official is authorized to cause inspections on a complaint basis for rental dwelling units, or otherwise when reason exists to believe that a violation of this Ordinance has been or is being committed. Inspections shall be conducted during daylight hours and the Compliance Official shall present evidence of official capacity to the occupant or owner in charge of a respective dwel...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All Stearns County ordinances

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