Burnsville, Minn., Mun. Code ch. 3-15 (2026) § 3-15-3
Definitions
Operative Text
The following words and terms when used in this chapter shall have the following meanings unless the context clearly indicates otherwise: ADULT: A person 18 years of age or older. APPLICANT: A "person" as defined herein, who completes or signs an application for a license to rent real estate individually or on behalf of a business. ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY: Assisted living facilities licensed or registered by the State of Minnesota. BUSINESS: The business of leasing properties for home occupation purposes. CITY MANAGER: City Manager or the City Manager's designee. CRIME FREE/DRUG FREE LEASE ADDENDUM: This addendum to the lease agreement lists specific criminal acts that, if committed on the property, will result in the immediate termination of the resident's lease. DWELLING: A single residence or habitation providing living facilities for 1 or more persons. For purposes of this section, a single dwelling includes a freestanding dwelling, a single dwelling in a cooperative, a manufactured home, an individual condominium or townhouse, any single-family attached dwelling, a residential building, or a dwelling in a nonresidential structure. LEASE: A written agreement creating a tenancy in real property. LICENSE HOLDER OR LICENSEE: The individual or corporation licensed to lease to residents. PROPERTY MANAGER: An individual who is hired or is applying to be hired by a licensee and who has or would have the means, within the scope of the individual's duties, to enter tenants' dwelling units. "Manager" does not include a person who is hired on a casual basis and not in the ongoing course of the business of the licensee. PERSON: 1 or more natural persons; a partnership, including a limited partnership; a corporation, including a foreign, domestic, or nonprofit corporation; a trust; a political subdivision of the State; or any other business organization. PROPERTY OWNER: Any person who, alone, jointly, or severally with others, shall be in actual possession of, or have charge, care or control of, any rental dwelling unit within the City as titleholder, employee or agent of the titleholder, operator, or trustee or guardian of the estate or person of the titleholder. Any such person representing the actual titleholder shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this chapter to the same extent as the titleholder. RENT: The consideration paid by a tenant to the property owner of a rental dwelling unit for temporary use of the rental dwelling unit by the tenant or tenants. The consideration is not limited to cash and may include, but is not limited to, utilities, upkeep, service, or repair. RENTAL: A residential living unit that is occupied by people other than the property owner and/or qualifying relatives for which rent is paid. RENTAL UNIT: A dwelling or portion thereof let for rent. RESIDENTIAL BUILDING: A dwelling designed and used for multi-family residential rental units rather than commercial or industrial purposes. TENANT: Any adult person granted temporary use of a rental dwelling unit in exchange for rent payable to the property owner of the rental unit. HISTORY Amended by Ord. 1585 on 4/28/2023
Section 3-15-3 of Burnsville's Rental Licensing chapter establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Chapter 3-15, ensuring that key terms carry consistent, defined meanings whenever they appear. The definitions cover a broad range of actors and concepts — from who qualifies as a 'tenant' or 'property owner' to what constitutes a 'dwelling,' 'rental unit,' or 'lease.' Notably, the definition of 'rent' extends beyond cash payments to include utilities, upkeep, services, or repairs provided in exchange for occupancy. These definitions were most recently updated by Ordinance 1585 on April 28, 2023.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 3-15-3, the definition of 'property owner' is intentionally broad, encompassing not just titleholders but also agents, employees, operators, and trustees who have charge or control of a rental dwelling unit — all of whom are equally bound by Chapter 3-15's requirements. Compliant operators generally ensure that anyone acting on their behalf in a management capacity understands they may fall within the chapter's scope, including 'property managers' who have the means to enter tenants' units as part of ongoing business operations. Landlords also typically recognize that non-cash arrangements — such as a tenant performing repairs or paying utilities in lieu of monetary rent — still constitute 'rent' under this section and may trigger licensing obligations.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 3-15-3 defines 'tenant' as any adult (18 or older) who is granted temporary use of a rental dwelling unit in exchange for rent paid to the property owner, and 'rent' under this chapter is not limited to cash — it can include utilities, services, upkeep, or repairs. This broad framing means that various living arrangements may fall within the protections and requirements of Burnsville's rental licensing framework. Tenants who have questions about whether their arrangement qualifies under Chapter 3-15, or who want to understand how these definitions affect their rights, may find it helpful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or the City of Burnsville directly.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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