Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.730
Extermination of pests (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
The occupant or occupants of a dwelling containing a single dwelling unit shall be responsible for the extermination of any insects, rodents, vermin or other pests therein or on the premises; and every occupant of a dwelling unit in a dwelling containing more than one dwelling unit shall be responsible for such extermination within the unit so occupied whenever that dwelling unit is the only one infested. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section, whenever infestation of rodents is caused by failure of the owner to maintain any dwelling in a rodentproof condition, extermination of such rodents shall be the responsibility of the owner. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 74.070; Pet. No. 252271, § 21 , 5-11-90) Cross reference-- Pest and vermin control, Ch. 229 .
Under Minneapolis Code § 244.730, responsibility for pest extermination in a dwelling depends on the type of building and the source of the infestation. In a single-unit dwelling, the occupant bears full responsibility for eliminating insects, rodents, vermin, and other pests. In a multi-unit building, an occupant is responsible for extermination only within their own unit when that unit is the sole infested one; however, if a rodent infestation stems from the owner's failure to keep the structure rodentproof, the responsibility shifts to the owner regardless of the building type.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Minneapolis Code § 244.730 are generally expected to maintain all dwelling structures in a rodentproof condition, since failure to do so makes extermination of any resulting rodent infestation the owner's legal responsibility. Compliant operators typically conduct regular inspections of building envelopes, seal entry points, and address structural deficiencies that could allow rodent access. In multi-unit buildings, owners should also be prepared to act when an infestation spreads beyond a single unit or when the building's physical condition is a contributing factor.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minneapolis Code § 244.730 gives tenants in multi-unit buildings a clear basis to assert that extermination is the owner's responsibility when a rodent infestation results from the building not being maintained in a rodentproof condition. Tenants who believe their situation falls under the owner-responsibility provision may consider documenting the infestation and any structural deficiencies, then contacting the Minneapolis Department of Regulatory Services to request an inspection. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can also help residents understand how § 244.730 applies and what complaint or enforcement paths may be available.
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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