Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7 § 7-5-5
Common halls and stairways (Rochester Housing Code)
Operative Text
Every public hall and stairway in every apartment house containing five or more apartments must be lighted at all times so as to provide illumination of at least two footcandles on every part of such areas. Instead of full-time lighting, a public hall and stairway in structures devoted solely to dwelling occupancy and containing not more than four apartments may be supplied with conveniently located light switches controlling an adequate lighting system that may be turned on when needed.
Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7-5-5 establishes lighting requirements for common hallways and stairways in residential buildings. In apartment buildings with five or more units, these shared areas must be continuously illuminated at a minimum level of two footcandles throughout. Smaller residential buildings with four or fewer apartments have a limited alternative: rather than keeping lights on at all times, they may instead install conveniently placed light switches that allow occupants to turn on adequate lighting as needed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Rochester, Minn., Code of Ordinances § 7-5-5, operators of apartment buildings with five or more units generally maintain continuous lighting in all public halls and stairways at a minimum of two footcandles across every part of those areas. For smaller residential-only buildings with four or fewer apartments, compliant operators typically install conveniently located light switches that give occupants ready access to adequate lighting on demand. Routine inspections of lighting fixtures, bulb replacements, and switch functionality help ensure ongoing compliance 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 § 7-5-5 gives tenants in buildings with five or more apartments the right to expect continuously lit common hallways and stairways meeting a two-footcandle minimum at all times. If lighting in shared areas appears inadequate or is frequently out, tenants may document the conditions and report the concern to Rochester's local code enforcement or housing inspection authority. Tenant-rights organizations in the Rochester area can also help residents understand how this provision applies to their building and what complaint processes may be available.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 14, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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