Excelsior, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-118
Maintenance of yards
Operative Text
Notwithstanding any lease or contract to the contrary, the owner of a rental dwelling or rental dwelling unit shall be responsible for maintaining the premises and yards thereof consistent with section 8-105 .
Under Excelsior Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-118, the owner of a rental dwelling or rental dwelling unit bears legal responsibility for maintaining the property's premises and yards in accordance with the standards set out in § 8-105 — regardless of what any lease or private contract may say to the contrary. This means that even if a rental agreement purports to shift yard-maintenance duties to a tenant, the law places that obligation squarely on the owner. The provision effectively overrides conflicting lease terms on this specific subject.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Excelsior Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-118 makes clear that compliant rental property owners keep the premises and yards of their rental dwellings maintained to the standards described in § 8-105, irrespective of any lease language that might attempt to delegate that duty elsewhere. Operators generally review their maintenance practices and property inspection schedules to ensure yards are kept in conforming condition at all times. Lease clauses that purport to transfer this responsibility to tenants do not relieve the owner of the underlying legal obligation under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Excelsior Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-118 establishes that a tenant's landlord — not the tenant — is legally responsible for maintaining the rental premises and yards consistent with § 8-105, even if the lease says otherwise. Tenants who observe yard or premises conditions that appear to fall below those standards may have grounds to raise this provision when seeking a remedy, whether by notifying the landlord in writing, contacting the relevant local code-enforcement authority, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance. Documenting the condition of the yard with dated photographs and written records is a common first step that tenants in similar situations often find useful.
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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