Montevideo, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 6 (2026) § 5-6-6
CIVIL ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURE
Operative Text
Civil enforcement procedures shall be prosecuted by the City Manager for the HRA in the following manner: A. The City Manager shall serve upon the respondent by certified mail a complaint, signed by him or her, which shall set forth a clear and concise statement of the facts constituting the violation, set a time and place for hearing, and advise the respondent of his or her right to file an answer, to appear in person or by an attorney, and to examine and cross-examine witnesses. B. The hearing shall not be less than twenty (20) days after service of the complaint. At any time prior to the hearing the respondent may file an answer. Facts not denied by answer shall be deemed admitted. If the answer sets out new matter, it shall be deemed denied by the HRA. C. The complaint or answer may be amended at any given time prior to the hearing with the consent of the opposing party. D. Hearings shall be before the HRA. E. The HRA may obtain subpoenas from the District Court to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of documents at any hearing. F. If, at hearing, the HRA shall conclude that a violation has occurred, it shall prepare an order which may contain any provision deemed desirable to do justice to the complainant or to prevent further violations. It may include provisions which require the respondent to rent, sell or lease particular housing to the complainant, or to do any other thing as may be just. The HRA's findings of fact and order shall be served on the respondent and City Manager by mail and shall become the findings and order of the HRA unless, within ten (10) days after mailing of the findings and order, the HRA shall revoke or amend the order, but any order of the HRA may be modified by the HRA at any time. (Ord. 530, 11-20-1978)
Montevideo Ch. 6 Fair Housing § 5-6-6 establishes the civil enforcement process the City Manager uses on behalf of the Human Rights Authority (HRA) when a fair housing violation is alleged. A formal complaint is served by certified mail, a hearing is scheduled no sooner than 20 days later, and the respondent has the right to answer, appear, and cross-examine witnesses. If the HRA finds a violation occurred, it may issue an order requiring remedies such as renting or selling housing to the complainant, or any other relief it deems just.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Montevideo Ch. 6 Fair Housing § 5-6-6, property owners and managers who receive a certified-mail complaint from the City Manager should be aware that a formal hearing before the HRA will be set at least 20 days out, and that any facts not addressed in a written answer may be treated as admitted. Compliant operators generally maintain clear records of their rental and sales practices so they can respond fully and accurately if a complaint is filed. An HRA order following a finding of violation can include directives to rent, sell, or lease housing to a specific complainant, making thorough documentation of fair housing practices an important operational habit.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Montevideo Ch. 6 Fair Housing § 5-6-6 gives tenants and housing applicants a structured civil enforcement path when they believe a fair housing violation has occurred: the City Manager prosecutes the matter before the HRA, and the process includes a formal hearing where witnesses can be examined. If the HRA concludes a violation took place, it has broad authority to craft a remedy—including requiring that housing be rented or sold to the complainant. Individuals who believe their rights have been violated may consider contacting the HRA directly, reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting an attorney to understand how this enforcement procedure applies to their circumstances.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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