Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-8
Inspections of dwellings (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
The director of community development shall make inspections at reasonable times as hereinafter provided to determine the condition of dwellings, and premises located within the city in order to perform the duty of safeguarding the health and safety of the occupants of dwellings and of the public. For the purpose of making such inspections, the director of building safety is hereby authorized to enter, examine, and survey at all reasonable times all dwellings and premises, except that inspection of owner-occupied, single-family dwellings shall only be made when permitted by the owner, or in an emergency endangering life or property, or when authorized by court order, warrant, or other judicial process. Inspection of dwellings, other than owner-occupied single-family dwellings, shall be a condition of the business of leasing or renting such dwellings to others, and the owner, occupant, or the person in charge of such dwellings shall give the director of community development free access to such dwellings and its premises, at all reasonable times, for the purpose of such inspection, examination and survey. No registration certificate required by the housing code shall be issued if admittance for inspecting the premises is refused by the owner, occupant, or person in charge.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-8 establishes the city's authority to inspect dwellings to protect the health and safety of occupants and the public. The Director of Community Development (or Director of Building Safety) may enter and survey most rental properties at reasonable times, with the owner, occupant, or person in charge required to provide free access. Owner-occupied single-family homes receive stronger protections, as inspections there are limited to situations involving owner consent, emergencies, or a court order or warrant.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-3-8, operators of rental properties—other than owner-occupied single-family homes—treat inspection access as a built-in condition of the business of leasing. Compliant landlords and property managers generally ensure that the Director of Community Development can enter at all reasonable times and do not obstruct or refuse access. Refusing admittance can result in the city declining to issue or renew the registration certificate required under the housing code, which can affect the legal ability to rent the property.
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 § 7-3-8 gives the city's Director of Community Development authority to inspect rental dwellings to safeguard occupant health and safety, which means tenants in non-owner-occupied rentals live in properties subject to regular city oversight. If a tenant believes their dwelling has conditions that warrant a city inspection, they may consider contacting Rochester's community development office to request an evaluation under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations in Rochester can also help residents understand how the inspection process works and what options may be available if housing conditions are a concern.
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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