The new ordinance requires landlords to register their rental properties with the city. The new ordinance aims to increase communication with property managers and collect necessary contact information to support various city departments’ work, including fire, police and community development. You can read the new ordinance in Chapter 5, Section 530 of the city code when it is published on Feb. 3, 2024. 

Key points from the ordinance

• Annual registration: Rental property owners or property managers to fill out an annual application to receive a certificate of registration. The application has no cost to landlords. 
• Rental manager: All residential rental units are required to have an appointed rental manager. A rental property owner can serve as the rental manger.
• Posting certificate of registration: All rental property managers are required to provide a copy of the certificate of registration to the tenant of each unit in a rental property. In addition, the certificate of registration must be visibly posted in the rental unit itself or a common area, depending on the size of the rental property. 

If I am renting to a family member and they pay me rent, does that mean I must register my property as a rental?

• Yes. If you rent to a family member, and they pay you rent or another form of compensation, you are required to register your property.

If I am renting to a family member and they do not pay me rent, do I have to register my property as a rental?

• No. If your family member does not pay you rent, you are not required to register your property.

Why did the City of Minnetonka adopt a rental registration program for all rentals in the city?

• The city adopted the rental registration ordinance to track rental trends; establish a communication network between city staff, managers and tenants to efficiently distribute informational materials; and maintain current contact information for owners and manager of rental properties.

What types of rental properties are required to register?

• Single-family dwelling
• Owner-occupied units with a rented out room(s)
• Duplex
• Triplex
• Fourplex
• Townhomes
• Group Homes (with more than 6 residents)
• Multi-family building
• Apartment building
• Short- and long-term rentals

What types of rental properties are not required to register?

• Owner-occupied units - no rented out room(s)
• Minnesota Department of Health-licensed rest homes
• Convalescent care facilities
• Group Homes (with 6 or fewer residents)
• Licensed care facilities
• Nursing homes
• Hotels and motels

I've never had to register my property. Will the registration process be difficult?

• The process is easy and accessible for all who rent their properties. The registration process consists of an online form that can be filled out on any device including a phone, laptop or tablet and can also be printed and sent in to the city. Staff recommends filling out the registration form online, as that is the simplest way to complete the requirement. If you don’t have access to a computer, you can come into city hall and use the public computers to fill out the registration form.

Is there a cost for the registration and is an inspection required?

• There is no cost for registering your property with the city. Also, no inspection is required as part of registration.

I'm not a landlord. How does this change help or impact me?

• If you do not own a rental property, this new ordinance will not impact you directly. However, the effect of this ordinance is the comfort knowing that rental properties are registered with the city and that tenants and managers alike are being provided essential resources for safe and healthy living.

When do I need to secure a certificate of registration for 2024?

• All property managers or owners should register their properties as soon as they can after the ordinance goes into effect in February 2024. However, as stated in the ordinance, there will be a year lenience period for all to comply. All properties must be registered by Feb 3, 2025.

Where can I find the complete ordinance establishing the rental registration program?

• Access all codes for the City of Minnetonka. To view the rental registration ordinance specifically, scroll to Section 530 of Chapter 5 - BUILDING, HOUSING AND CONSTRUCTION REGULATIONS.

Who can I contact if I have questions?

• Please reach out to Kendyl Larson at 952-939-8267 or klarson@minnetonkamn.gov.

Review the Landlord-Tenant Guide published by the Minnesota Attorney General's Office if you have questions.

Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities published by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is available in alternative formats by calling 651-296-3353 (Twin Cities calling area); 800-657-3787 (outside the Twin Cities); or 800-627-3529 through the Minnesota Relay Service.

If you are having a dispute with your landlord or tenants, there are organizations that can help determine your rights and resolve disputes.

• HOME Line is a tenant advocacy agency that provides free legal advice and information. Call HOME Line’s tenant hotline at 612-728-5767.
• LawHelpMN provides a self help library with information and education on landlord or tenant rights and responsibilities. The organization also connects people with legal providers and legal clinics. 
• Minnesota Judicial Branch is a resource regarding rights and duties laid out in federal and state laws.
  • Landlord Resources
  • Tenant Resources

If you are a landlord or potential landlord looking for educational and training opportunities, there are statewide and local organizations to help you with your business.

• The Minnesota Homeownership Center provides a free owner-occupant landlord training that discusses items prospective buyers should consider when deciding if becoming a small rental property owner is the right for them. 
• HousingLink has various landlord education trainings including fair housing, preventative maintenance, permits and other landlord basics videos. 
• HOME Line provides landlords training throughout the year on a variety of topics. They also have a webinar series discussing the new tenant-landlord laws going into effect Jan. 1, 2024.
• Minnesota Multi-Housing Association (MHA) offers online on-demand courses to support the industry. The course topics offered include fair housing, leasing, landlord tenant law, maintenance, evictions, safety and crime and more.

If you are a tenant in need of housing stability resources, there are a variety of organizations to assist you and get you the help you need.

Tenant Resource Center is a resource site for Hennepin County residents who are in need of housing resources to maintain a stable housing. It is an online tool based on collaborative partnership between community, non-profits, government and higher education. 

• Call 612-767-9737

Emergency Rental Assistance from Hennepin County is a great first option if you are in a financial crisis that could cause housing instability. The emergency short term help can also assist with foreclosure prevention, relocation expenses, temporary shelter, and food support.  

• Call 612-596-1300

ICA Food Shelf administers rental and food assistance. If you are behind on rent or you need food, they can get you the assistance you need. 

• Call 952-938-0729

United Way 211 is a 24/7 confidential and free health and human services information provider for Minnesota. residents. 

• Call 2-1-1

Check out the Housing Resources page for additional resources.