Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.1710
Keys required (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
The owner, operator or agent in charge of dwellings let to another shall furnish the lessee with a key for the dead bolt lock or other lock required by this article. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 153.055; 78-Or-221, § 3, 10-27-78)
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.1710 establishes that whoever owns, operates, or manages a rental dwelling must provide the tenant with a working key to any dead bolt or other lock that is required under the same article. The rule ensures that tenants have physical access to the security hardware the code mandates be installed. It applies at the outset of a tenancy and covers all locks that meet the article's requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 244.1710, compliant rental operators provide each lessee with a functioning key to every dead bolt or other article-required lock at or before the start of occupancy. Property managers typically document key handoffs in move-in paperwork and ensure replacement keys are available when locks are changed or re-keyed. Maintaining this practice helps demonstrate ongoing compliance with Minneapolis's dwelling security requirements.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 244.1710 gives tenants the right to receive a key for every dead bolt or other lock that Minneapolis code requires on their unit. If a key has not been provided, tenants can raise the omission as a housing-code violation with the City of Minneapolis's inspections or housing enforcement office. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can also explain the range of options available, including how this provision may be relevant in broader habitability or lease disputes.
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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