Fergus Falls, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 117 (2026) § 117.02
INTERPRETATION
Operative Text
This chapter is to be construed liberally in conjunction with the provisions of this code to give effect to the policy, purpose, and objectives of this chapter, but is not to be construed to modify, amend or otherwise alter the provisions of this code relating to health, safety, building or land use regulation. It is not the intention of the city to intrude upon the fair accepted contractual relationship between tenant and landlord. The city does not intend to intervene as an advocate of either party, or to act as an arbiter. It is determined that certain conditions within existing buildings, lawful at the time of construction of the building, and not creating a hazardous condition, may not comply with the minimum requirements of this chapter. Such conditions are referred to as “built in deficiencies”, and the code official, in administering this chapter, may consider built in deficiencies as being beyond reasonable correction and accept them as an alternate method of meeting the intent of this chapter. (Ord. 86, Seventh Series, passed 10-7-2019)
Fergus Falls Ch. 117 Rental Units § 117.02 establishes how the rental housing chapter is to be interpreted and applied. The chapter is meant to be read broadly to advance its policy goals, but it does not override existing health, safety, building, or land-use rules. The city takes a neutral stance—it is not an advocate for landlords or tenants—and recognizes that some older building features that were legal when constructed and pose no hazard may be accepted as 'built-in deficiencies' rather than required to be corrected.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 117.02, property owners and managers should understand that the rental housing chapter is interpreted broadly to fulfill its purposes, but it does not supersede other code requirements related to health, safety, or building standards. Operators of older buildings may find that certain features lawful at the time of construction are treated by the code official as 'built-in deficiencies,' meaning they may be accepted as an alternative way of meeting the chapter's intent rather than mandating full correction. Compliant operators generally document the age and original lawful status of such features and engage proactively with the code official when questions arise during inspections.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 117.02 makes clear that the city interprets its rental housing rules broadly to protect the purposes of the chapter, while remaining neutral between tenants and landlords. Tenants should be aware that the city is not positioned as an advocate for either party and does not act as an arbitrator in disputes. Where a building feature is identified as a 'built-in deficiency' under this section, tenants who have concerns about whether such a determination is appropriate may consult a tenant-rights organization or seek guidance from the code official's office to better understand how the provision applies.
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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