Fridley, Minn., Mun. Code ch. 507 (2026) § 507.15
Unfit For Human Habitation
Operative Text
1. Declaration. Any structure dwelling or dwelling unit which is damaged, decayed, dilapidated, unsanitary, unsafe, infested, or lacks provision for illumination, ventilation, or sanitary facilities to the extent that the defects create a hazard to the health, safety, or general welfare of the occupants or to the public may be declared unfit for human habitation by the City Manager or their designee, or the applicable state authority. Whenever any structure, dwelling, or dwelling unit has been declared unfit for human habitation, the City will order the dwelling vacated within a reasonable time and must post a placard on same indicating that it is unfit for human habitation, and any operating license previously issued for such structure dwelling or dwelling unit will be revoked. 2. Vacated Dwelling. It is unlawful for a vacant dwelling or dwelling unit that has been declared unfit for human habitation to be used for human habitation until the defective conditions have been corrected and written approval has been issued by the City. 3. Secure Unfit and Vacated Dwellings. The owner of any dwelling or dwelling unit that has been declared unfit for human habitation or is otherwise vacant for a period of 60 days or more, must secure the unit so that it is not hazardous to the health, safety, or general welfare of the public and does not constitute a public nuisance. Any vacant dwelling or dwelling unit with unguarded open doors or windows is considered hazard to the health, safety, and general welfare of the public and a public nuisance within the meaning of this Chapter and the Public Nuisances Chapter of the Code. 4. Hazardous Building Declaration. In the event that a dwelling or dwelling unit has been declared unfit for human habitation and the licensee, agent, or operator has not remedied the defects within a prescribed reasonable time, then it may be declared a hazardous building and treated consistent with the provisions of M.S. §§ 463.15-463.261. HISTORY Amended by Ord. 1364 on 12/10/2018 Amended by Ord. 1419 on 3/11/2024
Fridley City Code § 507.15 establishes a process by which the City Manager, their designee, or a state authority can formally declare a residential structure or dwelling unit unfit for human habitation when conditions such as damage, decay, infestation, or lack of basic utilities create a hazard to occupants or the public. Once declared, the dwelling must be vacated, posted with a placard, and its operating license revoked; re-occupancy is prohibited until defects are corrected and the City issues written approval. Owners of units that are declared unfit or have been vacant for 60 or more days must secure the property against public hazard, and if defects go unremedied within a reasonable time, the property may be escalated to a hazardous building declaration under Minnesota Statutes §§ 463.15–463.261.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Fridley City Code § 507.15, compliant property operators proactively address conditions—such as structural damage, infestation, or inadequate ventilation—before they rise to the level of a formal unfit declaration. If a unit is declared unfit, operators are expected to vacate the property promptly, refrain from re-renting it, and work to correct all cited defects in order to obtain written City approval before any re-occupancy occurs. Owners of units vacant for 60 or more days must also take affirmative steps to secure the property, since unguarded open doors or windows are treated as a public nuisance under this chapter, and failure to remedy defects within a prescribed timeframe can trigger a hazardous building declaration under Minnesota Statutes §§ 463.15–463.261.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Fridley City Code § 507.15 gives occupants a basis to understand that when a dwelling is formally declared unfit for human habitation, the City is required to order it vacated and post a placard—meaning a landlord cannot lawfully continue renting that unit until defects are corrected and the City issues written approval. Tenants who believe their unit has conditions that create a health or safety hazard—such as infestation, structural decay, or lack of basic utilities—may consider contacting the City of Fridley to request an inspection under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations in Minnesota can help residents understand what options are generally available, including how a § 507.15 declaration might relate to rent obligations or relocation during a displacement.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.