Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.530
Windows, exterior doors, hatchways (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
Every window, exterior door and basement hatchway shall be reasonably weathertight, watertight and rodentproof; and shall be kept in a professional state of maintenance and repair. Every exterior window or door of habitable rooms, bath and toilet rooms shall be supplied with a storm window or storm door or the equivalent for ventilation, light and insulation. Unless otherwise provided for by written agreement, the owner or operator shall install such storm windows and storm doors not later than November first of each year. Such written agreements shall be applicable only to one- and two-family dwellings. All exterior doors of dwellings, except those which are required to be outswinging based on occupant load, shall be provided with a storm door unless the principal door has an "R" value of two (2) or more. The following energy conservation measures are required: (1) Install weatherstripping between exterior operable window sash and frames and between exterior doors and frames. Exception: Weatherstripping not required on storm doors or storm windows. (2) Caulk, gasket or otherwise seal exterior joints between foundation and rim joist, around window and door frames, between wall and roof, between wall panels, at penetrations for utility services through walls, floors, and roofs and all other openings in the exterior envelope. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 72.050; 78-Or-222, § 1, 10-27-78; 80-Or-051 , § 1, 4-11-80; 82-Or-106 , § 2, 6-11-82; 83-Or-109 , § 2, 5-13-83; 83-Or-273 , § 1, 11-10-83; 85-Or-056 , § 1, 3-8-85)
Minneapolis Code § 244.530 requires that every window, exterior door, and basement hatchway in a dwelling be kept weathertight, watertight, and rodentproof through professional maintenance and repair. Windows and doors serving habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms must be equipped with storm windows or storm doors—or an equivalent—for ventilation, light, and insulation, with installation required by November 1st each year unless a written agreement between owner and occupant provides otherwise (a written agreement option available only for one- and two-family dwellings). The provision also mandates specific energy-conservation measures, including weatherstripping around operable window sashes and door frames, and caulking or sealing all exterior joints, penetrations, and openings in the building envelope.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Minneapolis Code § 244.530, compliant property owners and operators generally ensure that all exterior windows, doors, and basement hatchways are inspected and maintained in a weathertight, watertight, and rodentproof condition year-round. Operators of multi-family properties install storm windows and storm doors—or approved equivalents—no later than November 1st each year, while owners of one- and two-family dwellings may defer or modify that deadline only through a written agreement with the occupant. Compliant operators also apply weatherstripping to operable window sashes and door frames, and caulk or seal all exterior joints, utility penetrations, and gaps in the building envelope as required by the provision's energy-conservation measures.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minneapolis Code § 244.530 gives tenants the right to expect that their windows, exterior doors, and basement hatchways are kept weathertight, watertight, and rodentproof, and that storm windows or storm doors are installed by November 1st each year. If these conditions are not met, tenants may have grounds to raise a violation with the City of Minneapolis's housing inspection or code enforcement office, which oversees compliance with the housing code. Tenants experiencing issues related to § 244.530 may also consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand the range of options available to them.
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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