Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.1050
Lavatory and bath facilities (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
At least one (1) water closet, hand lavatory and bathtub or shower, properly connected to a water and sewer system and in good working condition, shall be supplied for each ten (10) persons or fraction thereof residing within a rooming house or lodging establishment, including members of the operator's family wherever they share the use of the said facilities; provided that in a rooming house or lodging establishment where rooms are let only to males, flush urinals may be substituted for not more than one-half (½) of the required number of water closets, and provided further that in rooming houses or lodging establishments existing prior to July 1, 1972, where a hand lavatory, connected to a water and sewer system and in good working condition, is supplied in each rooming unit or sleeping room, then the number of persons who shall share the use of a water closet and bathtub or shower shall not exceed twelve (12) persons. All such facilities shall be so located within the rooming house or lodging establishment as to be accessible to the occupants of each rooming unit or sleeping room sharing such facilities without going through a unit of another occupant. Every hand lavatory and bathtub or shower required under the provisions of this section shall be supplied with hot and cold running water at all times. No plumbing facilities required under this section except the guest toilet room may be located in a cellar. No such plumbing facilities shall be located more than one (1) floor distant from the rooming unit for which such plumbing facilities are provided. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 76.020; Ord. of 3-9-73, § 1; 2006-Or-073, § 8, 6-30-06)
Minneapolis Code § 244.1050 establishes minimum ratios of shared bathroom facilities required in rooming houses and lodging establishments. Generally, at least one toilet, hand sink, and bathtub or shower must be provided for every ten residents, though older buildings with in-room sinks may allow up to twelve residents per shared toilet and tub or shower. All required fixtures must be connected to water and sewer systems, supplied with hot and cold running water at all times, accessible without passing through another occupant's unit, and located no more than one floor away from the rooms they serve.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of rooming houses and lodging establishments covered by Minneapolis Code § 244.1050 are generally expected to maintain the correct ratio of functioning bathroom fixtures relative to current occupancy, updating that count whenever residents are added. Compliant operators ensure that all required sinks, toilets, and tubs or showers deliver hot and cold running water continuously and are reachable by residents without crossing through another occupant's private space. Keeping records of occupancy counts, fixture locations, and maintenance history helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with the one-floor proximity rule and the prohibition on placing required plumbing in a cellar.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Residents of rooming houses and lodging establishments in Minneapolis have a right under § 244.1050 to shared bathroom facilities that meet minimum ratio requirements, provide hot and cold running water at all times, and are accessible without passing through a neighbor's unit. If fixtures are broken, inaccessible, or the building appears to lack the required number of facilities for its occupancy, tenants may document the conditions and consider filing a complaint with Minneapolis's housing inspection or code enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can help residents understand how this provision applies to their building and what formal complaint or defense options may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated September 15, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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