Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-19
Prohibited occupancy (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
Kitchens and nonhabitable spaces shall not be used for sleeping purposes.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-19 establishes that kitchens and spaces not classified as habitable rooms cannot lawfully serve as sleeping areas. The rule draws a clear line between spaces designed for living and sleeping versus those intended for cooking or utility purposes. This applies regardless of how a space is arranged or marketed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-19, compliant property operators ensure that no rental unit is configured, advertised, or leased in a way that designates a kitchen or nonhabitable space as a sleeping area. Operators generally review floor plans and lease terms to confirm that only rooms meeting habitability standards are counted as sleeping spaces. Routine inspections of occupied units can help identify and correct any arrangements that conflict with 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 § 7-5-19 means that a landlord cannot lawfully require or permit a tenant to sleep in a kitchen or any space that does not qualify as a habitable room. If a tenant believes their housing arrangement violates this provision, general options include contacting Rochester's local code enforcement office or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance. Documenting the physical layout of the space can be useful when raising a concern under this provision.
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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