Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-35
Basement screens (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
Every basement or grade-level window used or intended to be used for ventilation, and every other opening to a basement or grade-level that might provide an entry for rodents, must be supplied with a screen or such other device as will effectively prevent their entrance all year long.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-35 establishes that basement and grade-level windows used for ventilation, as well as any other openings at those levels that could allow rodents to enter, must be fitted with screens or equivalent protective devices. This requirement applies continuously throughout the year, not just during warmer months. The rule is aimed at preventing rodent intrusion through ground-level access points in residential structures.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-35, compliant property operators generally ensure that all basement and grade-level ventilation windows are equipped with intact screens or functionally equivalent barriers, and that any other ground-level openings capable of admitting rodents are similarly protected. This is a year-round obligation, so routine inspections during seasonal transitions are a common part of maintenance programs. Operators typically document the condition of these screens and devices as part of regular property upkeep records.
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 § 7-4-35 gives occupants a basis to expect that basement and grade-level openings in their building are screened or otherwise protected against rodent entry at all times of year. If screens are missing, damaged, or absent from openings that could allow rodents in, this may constitute a code violation that can be reported to Rochester's local code enforcement or housing inspection authority. Tenants may also wish to consult a tenant-rights organization to understand how such a violation could be raised in the context of habitability concerns.
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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