Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.670
Doorbells or buzzers (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
Every multiple dwelling of four (4) or more dwelling units or ten (10) or more rooming units shall be equipped with an operable system of bells, buzzers or other signaling devices which operate from the exterior of a locked entryway and signal either within each dwelling unit and rooming unit or in the hallway or common area of each floor of the building. (82-Or-002, § 1, 1-15-82; 82-Or-106, § 25 , 6-11-82; 86-Or-024, § 1, 2-14-86)
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.670 requires that residential buildings with four or more dwelling units, or ten or more rooming units, maintain a working doorbell, buzzer, or similar signaling system at each locked exterior entry. The system must be capable of alerting occupants either inside their individual units or in the hallway or common area on each floor. This rule ensures that visitors can signal residents without needing unsupervised access through a locked entryway.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 244.670, operators of qualifying multiple dwellings generally maintain all exterior-entry signaling devices in reliable working order and promptly address any malfunctions. Compliant property managers routinely inspect buzzers, bells, or intercom systems to confirm they function from the locked entryway and that the signal reaches either individual units or the appropriate floor's common area. Keeping maintenance records of inspections and repairs supports a documented record of compliance with this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 244.670 gives residents of covered buildings a right to a functioning entry-signaling system so visitors can alert them without bypassing a locked door. If the buzzer or bell system at a locked entryway is broken or absent, tenants may report the condition to Minneapolis's housing inspection authorities as a potential code violation. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can explain the range of options available, including how a documented violation under this provision might be relevant in other housing proceedings.
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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