Excelsior, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-159
Secure unfit and vacated buildings
Operative Text
The owner of any rental dwelling, rental dwelling unit, or its portion which has been declared unfit for human habitation, or which is otherwise vacant for a period of 60 days or more, shall make it safe and secure so that it is not hazardous to the health, safety, and welfare of the public and does not constitute a public nuisance. Any vacant rental dwelling open at doors or windows, if unguarded, shall be deemed to be a hazard to the health, safety, and welfare of the public and a public nuisance within the meaning of this article and shall be made safe and secure immediately by the owner.
Under Excelsior Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-159, rental dwellings or units that have been officially declared unfit for human habitation, or that have sat vacant for 60 or more days, must be kept in a condition that does not pose a hazard to public health, safety, or welfare, and must not constitute a public nuisance. Any vacant rental property left open at doors or windows without a guard is automatically treated as a public hazard and nuisance under this article. Such open and unguarded properties must be made safe and secure immediately — no grace period applies to that specific condition.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Excelsior Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-159 places the responsibility for securing vacant or unfit rental properties squarely on the property owner. Compliant operators generally ensure that any unit vacant for 60 or more days — or officially declared unfit — is boarded, locked, or otherwise secured against unauthorized entry and public hazard. Because open doors or windows on a vacant rental trigger an immediate securing obligation under this provision, operators typically conduct regular inspections of vacant stock and address any unsecured openings without delay.
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 § 8-159 establishes that owners — not tenants — bear the duty to secure rental properties that are vacant or declared unfit for habitation. If a neighboring or adjacent vacant unit appears open, unguarded, or otherwise poses a hazard to residents, that condition may constitute a violation of this provision. Tenants who believe a property owner is failing to meet this obligation can consider reporting the condition to the local code enforcement or housing authority, raising the violation in any relevant housing proceeding, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available options.
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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