Minneapolis, MN Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Enforcing office
- Director of regulatory services
- Entry without consent
- Requires administrative search warrant
- Notice
- Written, states violation and deadline
- Reinspection fee
- $100, +50% if late
Summary
Minneapolis's director of regulatory services inspects rental units after a violation is reported, entering with the occupant's consent or, if refused, by court-issued administrative search warrant, then must serve a written notice of violation with a compliance deadline.
...the director of regulatory services shall make inspections to determine the condition of dwellings, dwelling units, ... rooming units, sleeping rooms, hotel units, and premises located within the city for the purpose of enforcing the provisions of the housing maintenance code. The director ... may enter, examine and survey at all reasonable times all dwellings ... after obtaining consent from an occupant of the premises. In the event that an occupant ... does not consent to entry ..., then application may be made to the court for an administrative or other search warrant.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 72).
Full Breakdown
Section 244.130 lets the director of regulatory services (or the health commissioner, fire marshal, or police chief) inspect dwellings, dwelling units, rooming units, hotel units and premises to enforce the housing maintenance code. Routine entry needs the occupant's consent; if consent is refused and there is probable cause, the director must apply to a court for an administrative or other search warrant before entering. Once a violation, or reasonable grounds to believe one exists, is found, § 244.150 requires written notice describing the property, specifying the violation and the remedial action required, and served on the owner, operator or occupant with a reasonable deadline to comply.
Violations & Fines
A $100 reinspection fee applies under § 244.190 for each follow-up visit that still finds noncompliance after the compliance deadline, rising 50 percent if unpaid within 30 days, and unpaid fees can block a rental license renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I report a rental housing problem in Minneapolis?
Can my landlord evict me for reporting a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Minneapolis
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