Stearns County, MN Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)

0 of Ordinance 272 names the Environmental Services Director as the Compliance Official who administers and enforces the Ordinance. The Director is authorized to inspect rental dwelling units on a complaint basis, or otherwise when reason exists to believe a violation has been or is being committed; inspections must be conducted during daylight hours and the Compliance Official must present evidence of official capacity to the occupant or owner in charge. 1 lets the Compliance Official seek a court order authorizing inspection if an owner, occupant or other person in charge refuses free access to the structure or premises.

2 allows declaring a unit unfit for human habitation and ordering it vacated, with a placard posted on the building, when defects like damage, decay, unsanitary conditions, unsafe conditions, vermin or rodent infestation, or a lack of basic illumination, ventilation or sanitary facilities create a hazard. 3 makes reoccupation unlawful until the Compliance Official issues written approval that defects are corrected, and makes it unlawful to deface or remove a placard. 4 requires an owner to secure a vacated or unfit unit that stays vacant 60 days or more. 6 lets the Department charge the cost of investigating a complaint back to the complainant if the complaint is found invalid.