Minneapolis, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 12 § 244.965
Door-closing devices; fire-resistive doors (Minneapolis Housing Code)
Operative Text
Every required exit door from dwelling units which opens into shared, communal or public spaces of multiple dwellings shall be provided with an approved door-closing device. Further, all passage doors opening from dwelling units into shared, communal or public spaces of multiple dwellings shall be in compliance with Section 716 of the Minnesota State Building Code (Opening Protectives) and Sections 403.14.1 and 403.14.1.2 of the Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of Existing Buildings. (82-Or-182, § 1, 9-24-82; 85-Or-006, § 1, 1-11-85; 2011-Or-108, § 3, 11-18-11; Ord. No. 2016-049 , § 1, 7-22-16)
Minneapolis Code of Ordinances § 244.965 requires that every exit door leading from a dwelling unit into shared, communal, or public areas of a multi-unit building be fitted with an approved self-closing device. Additionally, all passage doors between dwelling units and those shared spaces must meet fire-resistive standards set by Section 716 of the Minnesota State Building Code and the referenced rehabilitation guidelines. These requirements are designed to limit the spread of fire and smoke through common areas of residential buildings.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 244.965, compliant operators of multiple dwellings ensure that every required exit door from a dwelling unit into a shared or common area is equipped with an approved door-closing device and is inspected regularly to confirm it functions properly. Passage doors opening into communal spaces must also satisfy the fire-resistive opening protective standards referenced in Section 716 of the Minnesota State Building Code and the applicable rehabilitation guidelines. Property managers typically document installation, maintenance, and any replacements of these devices as part of their routine building-safety records.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Minneapolis Code § 244.965 gives residents of multi-unit buildings a right to doors that automatically close and meet fire-resistive standards wherever their unit opens into shared hallways or common areas. If a door-closing device is missing, broken, or a door appears non-compliant, tenants can report the condition to the City of Minneapolis's housing inspection division, which enforces building maintenance standards. Tenant-rights organizations in Minneapolis can also help residents understand how to document concerns and what remedies 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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