Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.520
Rainwater drainage (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
The building's drainage system, such as footing or foundation drains, gutters, downspouts, rainwater collection containers, or other elements, shall direct water away from the structure. All rainwater shall be so drained and conveyed from every roof so as not to cause dampness in the walls, ceilings, or floors of any portion of the dwelling or of any adjacent building or structure. Gutters and downspouts, if provided, shall be kept in a professional state of repair and in compliance with the provisions of Section 244.500 . Premises shall be graded and maintained to prevent the erosion of soil and to prevent the accumulation of water on the premises, within a crawlspace, or within the structure. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 72.040; 78-Or-244, § 20 , 11-22-78; 82-Or-106, § 2, 6-11-82; 90-Or-174, § 1, 6-29-90; Ord. No. 2023-045 , § 3, 6-15-23)
Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 244.520 establishes that a building's drainage system must direct water away from the structure rather than allowing it to pool or seep inward. Every roof must be drained in a way that prevents dampness from developing in walls, ceilings, or floors of the dwelling or any neighboring structure. Gutters and downspouts, when present, must be kept in good repair, and the surrounding grounds must be graded to prevent soil erosion and water accumulation on the premises, in crawlspaces, or inside the building.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 244.520, compliant property operators routinely inspect gutters, downspouts, and foundation drainage components to confirm they are directing water away from the structure and are free of blockages or damage. Grounds are graded and maintained so that water does not pool near the foundation, in crawlspaces, or inside the building, and any erosion issues are addressed promptly. Gutters and downspouts must also meet the repair standards referenced in Section 244.500, so operators generally document inspections and maintenance work to demonstrate ongoing compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 244.520 gives occupants a basis to raise concerns when dampness in walls, ceilings, or floors, standing water in a crawlspace, or deteriorated gutters and downspouts may stem from a landlord's failure to maintain proper drainage. Tenants who observe these conditions can document them with photographs and written notices to the landlord, and may file a complaint with Minneapolis's housing inspection program, which enforces this ordinance. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can also help residents understand what remedies or defenses may be available when drainage deficiencies affect habitability.
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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