Cloquet, Minn., City Code ch. 10 §§ 10.3, 10.7 (2026) § 10.7.2
Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly
Operative Text
10.7.2 Definitions. For the purposes of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly
indicates or requires a different meaning.
Subd. 1. Dwelling unit means any room or group of rooms located within residential housing and forming
a separate single habitable unit intended for residential occupancy by a single family.
Subd. 2. Family means an individual or two or more persons related by blood, marriage or adoption, living
together as a single housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit; or a group of not more than four persons who
need not be related by blood, marriage or adoption, living together as a single housekeeping unit in a
dwelling unit.
A. For purposes of this article "related" shall be interpreted herein to include any owner of
record and an owner's natural children, adopted children, foster children, spouse, other
blood relations, any significant other and any other dependent minors, residing with that
owner as a family unit; "significant other" means romantic partner;
B. For purposes of this article "related" shall also be interpreted herein to include a tenant's
natural children, adopted children, foster children, spouse, other blood relations, any
significant other and any other dependent minors, residing with the tenant as a family
unit; "significant other" means romantic partner.
Subd. 3. Person means any natural person, the person's heirs, executors, administrators, or assigns, and
also includes a business entity such as a firm, partnership, company or corporation, or its successors or
assigns, or the agent of any of the aforesaid.
Subd. 4. Rental dwelling unit means a dwelling unit occupied by a person or persons in the status of
tenant(s),under the terms of a contract or lease, whether oral or written, whereby nonpayment of a periodic
payment or nonperformance of a periodic service means the occupants may be evicted without the
necessity of either a statutory mortgage foreclosure procedure, a statutory termination of contract for deed
procedure or a statutory repossession procedure.
Subd. 5. Rent means any compensation given for use of the premises, either monetary or "in lieu of"
payments, such as but not limited to utilities, upkeep, repair, or the provision of services, but does not
include payment of shared housing by a family member.
Subd. 6. Residential Housing means any structure or building, or portion thereof, including a
"manufactured home (mobile home)", containing at least one dwelling unit which is intended to be used for
residential occupancy, and which includes bathroom and kitchen facilities permanently installed.
Subd. 7. Tenant, except as otherwise provided herein, means any person who occupies and uses as their
primary residence a dwelling unit furnished to that person for payment of rent to another.Section 10.7.2 of Cloquet, MN City Code Ch. 10 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the city's Rental Housing Regulations. It defines key terms such as 'dwelling unit,' 'family,' 'tenant,' 'rent,' and 'residential housing,' setting the boundaries for who and what falls under the regulatory framework. Notably, the definition of 'family' extends to groups of up to four unrelated individuals living together, and 'rent' encompasses non-monetary compensation such as utilities or services provided in exchange for occupancy.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 10.7.2, property owners and managers should be familiar with how Cloquet's code defines the occupants and arrangements subject to rental housing regulations. The definition of 'rental dwelling unit' covers arrangements under oral or written leases where nonpayment can lead to eviction, meaning informal agreements are not exempt. Operators generally ensure that their understanding of who qualifies as a 'tenant' or 'family member' under these definitions aligns with how they structure and document occupancy arrangements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 10.7.2 defines who counts as a 'tenant' and what constitutes 'rent' under Cloquet's Rental Housing Regulations, which matters when determining whether a living arrangement is covered by the city's protections. The broad definition of 'family' — including romantic partners, foster children, and other dependents — means that a wider range of household compositions may be recognized under this code. Tenants who believe their living arrangement or household composition is being mischaracterized under these definitions may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or review the full provisions of Ch. 10 § 10.7 for further context.
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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