Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.760
Damaging property (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
No person shall willfully or wantonly damage, mutilate or deface any part of residential real estate, supplied fixtures, equipment, including smoke detectors, furnishings or any other property of another. (Code 1960, As Amend., § 74.100; 82-Or-106, § 27 , 6-11-82)
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.760 prohibits any person from intentionally or recklessly damaging, mutilating, or defacing residential real estate or its associated fixtures, equipment (including smoke detectors), furnishings, or other property belonging to another party. The rule applies broadly to anyone on or associated with the property, not just tenants or landlords. It covers both deliberate acts and conduct showing a reckless disregard for the property's condition.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 244.760, compliant property operators document the condition of all fixtures, equipment, furnishings, and smoke detectors at move-in and move-out to establish a clear baseline record. Operators generally distinguish between normal wear and tear and willful or wanton damage when assessing unit conditions. Maintaining thorough written and photographic records supports any subsequent action related to property damage covered by this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 244.760 protects residential property — including smoke detectors and furnishings — from intentional or reckless destruction, and this protection runs in both directions: tenants are shielded from having their personal property damaged, and they are also bound not to damage the landlord's property. If a tenant believes a landlord or another party has willfully damaged property in violation of this provision, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the City of Minneapolis or consulting a local tenant-rights organization. Tenants may also wish to document any damage thoroughly, as such records can be relevant in disputes arising under § 244.760.
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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