Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.675
Secured egress and ingress to be provided for certain multiple dwellings (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
All multiple dwellings containing four (4) or more dwelling units or ten (10) or more rooming units existing now or hereafter created shall provide the following security measures: all doorways leading to the exterior or to an exterior vestibule or entry must be secured by a locking device approved by the director of regulatory services. The locking devices provided for required egress doorways shall be of a type that will engage and lock automatically when the door is in the closed position within the frame provided. Further, locks on such required egress doors shall be openable from the exterior by the use of a key or other approved device. All doors, whether required egress doors or auxiliary, shall be openable from the inside without the use of a key or any special knowledge or effort. All locking devices required by this section shall be kept in a professional state of maintenance and repair. The security locks and devices required by this section shall be provided not later than January 1, 1987. However, when, in the opinion of the director of regulatory services, conditions exist which warrant the installation of said security devices and locks within a shorter time period than previously set out, the director shall be empowered to order and secure the installation of such security and locking devices within a reasonable time period. ( 86-Or-024 , § 2, 2-14-86; 2013-Or-161 , § 23 , 12-6-13)
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.675 requires that residential buildings with four or more dwelling units (or ten or more rooming units) install approved locking devices on all exterior-facing doorways. These locks must engage automatically when a door closes, be openable from the outside with a key or approved device, and always be openable from the inside without a key or special knowledge. All required locking devices must be kept in professional working condition, and the city's director of regulatory services has authority to order faster installation when conditions warrant it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of qualifying multiple dwellings under § 244.675 generally ensure that every exterior doorway is fitted with a director-approved locking device that auto-engages upon closing, can be unlocked from outside with a key or approved device, and can always be opened from inside without a key or special effort. Compliant operators maintain all such locks in a professional state of repair on an ongoing basis, not just at initial installation. Because the director of regulatory services can order expedited installation when conditions warrant, property managers typically respond promptly to any maintenance or compliance notices related to this section.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Minneapolis Code § 244.675, tenants in buildings with four or more dwelling units have a right to functioning, auto-locking exterior doors that can always be opened from the inside without a key or special effort. If locks are broken, missing, or not up to the standard described in this section, tenants may document the issue and report it to the Minneapolis Department of Regulatory Services, which oversees compliance. Tenants may also consider reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization to understand the range of options available, including raising a maintenance violation as part of any relevant housing proceeding.
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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