Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-2
Responsibility (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
The owner of the premises shall maintain the structures and exterior property in compliance with these requirements, except as otherwise provided for in this Code. A person shall not occupy as owner-occupant or permit another person to occupy premises that are not in a sanitary and safe condition and that do not comply with the requirements of this chapter. Occupants of a dwelling unit, rooming unit or housekeeping unit are responsible for keeping in a clean, sanitary and safe condition that part of the dwelling unit, rooming unit, housekeeping unit or premises which they occupy and control.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-2 establishes a shared responsibility framework for property conditions. Property owners are required to keep structures and exterior areas in compliance with local housing standards, and no one may occupy or allow occupancy of premises that are unsanitary or unsafe. At the same time, occupants bear responsibility for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the specific areas they occupy and control.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-2, compliant property owners and managers generally ensure that building structures and exterior areas meet the city's housing standards before and during any occupancy. Operators typically document the condition of units at move-in and address maintenance issues that fall outside a tenant's area of control. Because the ordinance prohibits permitting occupancy of unsafe or unsanitary premises, proactive inspections and timely repairs are hallmarks of compliant property management in Rochester.
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 § 7-4-2 gives tenants both rights and responsibilities: while owners must keep the overall structure and exterior safe and sanitary, occupants are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and safety of the areas they personally occupy and control. If a tenant believes the owner is failing to meet their obligations under this provision, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with the City of Rochester's code enforcement office or contacting a local tenant-rights organization for guidance. Tenants may also be able to raise a violation of § 7-4-2 as a defense in certain housing 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.
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