Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-35
Structure unfit for human occupancy (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
A structure is unfit for human occupancy whenever the code official finds that such structure is unsafe, unlawful or, because of the degree to which the structure is in disrepair or lacks maintenance, is unsanitary, vermin or rat infested, contains filth and contamination, or lacks ventilation, illumination, sanitary or heating facilities or other essential equipment required by this Code, or because the location of the structure constitutes a hazard to the occupants of the structure or to the public.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-35 establishes the conditions under which a structure may be officially deemed unfit for human occupancy. A code official may make this determination when a building is unsafe, unlawful, unsanitary, vermin- or rat-infested, contaminated, or lacking essential systems such as ventilation, lighting, sanitation, or heat. The location of a structure can also trigger this designation if it poses a hazard to occupants or the general public.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-35, compliant property operators generally maintain their buildings free of vermin, filth, and contamination while ensuring that all essential systems—including heating, ventilation, lighting, and sanitary facilities—remain functional and up to code. Operators routinely address disrepair and deferred maintenance before conditions deteriorate to a level that a code official might classify as unfit for human occupancy. Proactive inspections and timely repairs are hallmarks of operations that avoid triggering an unfitness determination under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-35 identifies specific conditions—such as vermin infestation, lack of heat or sanitation, and structural hazards—that can render a dwelling officially unfit for human occupancy. Tenants who observe these conditions in their homes may have grounds to report them to Rochester's code enforcement office, which has authority to inspect and act on such complaints. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help renters understand how an unfitness determination under this provision might affect their rights, including potential defenses in eviction or rent-related proceedings.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.