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Rent Regulations

Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-38

Guards for basement windows (Rochester Housing Code)

In Force
Verified 10/12/2026 · Next check 11/11/2026
RochesterSpecific Conditions

Operative Text

Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-38
Every basement window that is openable shall be supplied with screens, rodent shields, storm windows or other approved protection against the entry of rodents.
Source: Legislative text reproduced verbatim
Plain English

Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-38 requires that any basement window capable of being opened must be fitted with a protective barrier—such as a screen, rodent shield, or storm window—to prevent rodents from entering the building. The rule does not apply to windows that are permanently fixed shut. Any equivalent protection that meets city approval also satisfies the requirement.

Written by anthropic/claude-sonnet-4.6 · Reviewed on September 15, 2026

Plain English — not legal advice.

For Property Managers

Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-38, compliant property operators inspect all openable basement windows and ensure each one is equipped with an approved barrier such as a screen, rodent shield, or storm window. Routine maintenance checks help confirm that these protective devices remain intact and functional over time. Keeping documentation of installations and repairs can support a showing of compliance during city inspections.

General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.

For Tenants

Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-4-38 gives tenants a basis to expect that openable basement windows in their rental unit are protected against rodent entry. If screens, rodent shields, or equivalent protections are missing or damaged, tenants may report the condition to Rochester's code enforcement office, which can inspect the property and require the landlord to make corrections. Tenant-rights organizations in the Rochester area can also help residents understand their options when a landlord does not address such conditions.

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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Related Rules

§ 244.290
Dwelling plumbing facilities required
§ 244.300
Shared bath dwelling unit plumbing facilities required
§ 244.310
Basement water closet

Source Information

Source:https://api.municode.com/CodesContent?jobId=493796&nodeId=PTIICOOR_TIT7HOCO_CH7-4GERE&productId=15657
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