Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.1690
Window security (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
(a) Exterior windows and doors of hotel units and dwellings let to another which are openable and have a sill which is within twenty-four (24) feet of the adjacent ground level and all other windows and doors of hotel units and dwellings let to another which are accessible to persons by means of porches, stairs, fire escapes, balconies, corridors, walkways, interior balconies, roofs, or other such possible accesses, shall be provided with an approved locking device which, when in the locked position, will prevent the window or door from being opened from without the dwelling unit, rooming unit or hotel unit. (b) Windows and doors of bath and toilet rooms let in conjunction with the aforementioned units shall be provided with an approved locking device when such windows are deemed accessible by the standards set forth in this section. (c) The window security required by this section shall be provided at the prime window or door and latching or locking devices on storm sash or screen frames will not be accepted as meeting the intent of this section. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 153.046; Ord. of 7-26-74, § 2; 76-Or-145, § 1, 8-26-76; 78-Or-244, § 59, 11-22-78)
Minneapolis Code § 244.1690 requires that openable windows and doors in rental dwellings and hotel units be equipped with approved locking devices capable of preventing entry from outside when locked. This requirement applies to any window or door within 24 feet of ground level, as well as those reachable via porches, fire escapes, balconies, or similar access points. Bath and toilet room windows connected to these units must also be secured if they meet the accessibility thresholds defined in the section, and the locking device must be installed on the primary window or door frame — not merely on a storm sash or screen.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Minneapolis Code § 244.1690, compliant rental property operators ensure that every qualifying window and door in their units is fitted with an approved locking device on the prime sash or door, not on storm windows or screen frames. Operators typically conduct regular inspections to confirm that all ground-accessible and structurally accessible openings — including those reachable by fire escapes, balconies, or corridors — meet the locking standard. Maintaining documentation of installed hardware and periodic maintenance checks is a common practice for demonstrating ongoing compliance with § 244.1690.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minneapolis Code § 244.1690 gives renters the right to have approved locking devices on all qualifying windows and doors in their unit, including those accessible from fire escapes, balconies, and similar structures. If a window or door lacks a compliant lock, tenants generally have the option of notifying the landlord in writing, contacting Minneapolis's housing inspection services to report the deficiency, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available remedies. Keeping a record of any communications about missing or broken locks can be useful when pursuing a resolution under § 244.1690.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.