Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.20
Purpose and policy (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
The purpose of the housing maintenance code is to protect the public health, safety and welfare. Said code (a) Establishes minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities; for light, ventilation and heating; for safety from fire; for space, use and location; for safe and sanitary maintenance of all dwellings; (b) Determines the responsibilities of owners, operators and occupants of dwellings; (c) Provides, as an incident to the primary regulation, for registering the operation of certain dwellings; and (d) Provides for administration and enforcement. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 66.020)
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.20 establishes the overarching purpose of the city's housing maintenance code: to protect public health, safety, and welfare. The code sets minimum standards for equipment, facilities, lighting, ventilation, heating, fire safety, space, and sanitary conditions in dwellings. It also defines the responsibilities of owners, operators, and occupants, requires registration of certain dwellings, and creates a framework for administration and enforcement.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 244.20, the housing maintenance code places affirmative responsibilities on owners and operators of dwellings in Minneapolis. Compliant operators generally ensure their properties meet the minimum standards for equipment, facilities, heating, ventilation, and fire safety outlined throughout the code, and they maintain required registrations for applicable dwelling types. Familiarity with the full scope of the code—including its enforcement provisions—is a common practice among operators seeking to remain in good standing.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 244.20 signals that Minneapolis's housing maintenance code exists specifically to protect the health, safety, and welfare of people living in dwellings, including tenants. The code's standards for basic facilities, heating, ventilation, and sanitary conditions form a baseline that occupants can reference when conditions in a rental unit appear to fall short. Tenants who believe these standards are not being met may explore options such as contacting the city's inspections department, raising a code violation as a defense in relevant proceedings, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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