New Brighton, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 18, art. III § 18-317
No warranty by city
Operative Text
By enacting and undertaking to enforce this article, neither the city nor its council, agents or employees warrant or guaranty the safety, fitness or suitability of any rental dwelling in the city. Licensees and occupants should take appropriate steps to protect their interests, health, safety and welfare.
Section 18-317 of New Brighton Code of Ordinances ch. 18, art. III establishes that the city's decision to create and enforce its rental dwelling licensing and inspection program does not constitute a guarantee or warranty that any rental property is safe, fit, or suitable for habitation. The city, its council, agents, and employees bear no such assurance obligation simply by virtue of administering the article. Both property owners and occupants retain independent responsibility for protecting their own interests, health, safety, and welfare.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 18-317, a city inspection or license issued pursuant to ch. 18, art. III does not serve as the city's certification that a rental dwelling meets any particular standard of safety or habitability. Compliant operators generally conduct their own ongoing assessments of property conditions, address maintenance issues proactively, and do not rely solely on city enforcement activity as a substitute for independent due diligence. Maintaining thorough records of inspections, repairs, and communications with tenants reflects the kind of independent responsibility the provision contemplates.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 18-317 makes clear that a rental dwelling holding a city license or having passed a city inspection under ch. 18, art. III does not carry any city warranty of safety, fitness, or suitability. Tenants are encouraged to take their own steps to evaluate a unit's condition before and during occupancy, and to document any concerns about habitability. General enforcement paths available to tenants may include raising habitability issues with local housing or code enforcement offices, consulting a tenant-rights organization, or exploring remedies available under Minnesota landlord-tenant law.
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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