Wells, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 150 (2026) § 93.01
LEGISLATIVE FINDING
Operative Text
It is hereby found that there exists in the City of Wells structures used for human habitation which are not owner occupied and are now, or may become in the future, substandard with respect to structure, equipment, or maintenance, and further that the conditions, together with inadequate provisions for light and air, insufficient protection against fire hazards, lack of proper heating unsanitary conditions, and overcrowding, constitute a threat to public health, safety, and welfare. It is hereby found therefore that adequate protection of public health, safety, and welfare requires the establishment and enforcement of minimum rental housing maintenance standards. (Ord. 231, passed 9-8-1997)
Wells Ch. 150 Residential Rentals § 93.01 sets out the city's foundational rationale for regulating rental housing: the local government has formally determined that non-owner-occupied residential structures can fall into substandard conditions—covering structural deficiencies, inadequate light and air, fire hazards, poor heating, unsanitary conditions, and overcrowding—that threaten public health, safety, and welfare. This legislative finding establishes that minimum maintenance standards for rental housing are necessary and legally justified. The provision does not itself impose specific duties but provides the policy basis for the standards that follow in the chapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Because § 93.01 declares that substandard rental conditions pose a public threat, the broader Wells Ch. 150 framework built on this finding carries real enforcement weight. Operators who maintain properties in compliance with the minimum maintenance standards established under this chapter are acting in line with the city's stated public-health and safety goals. Staying current with structural upkeep, heating systems, fire protection, sanitation, and occupancy limits reflects the core concerns identified in this foundational provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 93.01 of Wells Ch. 150 reflects the city's formal recognition that renters in non-owner-occupied housing face real risks from substandard conditions, and that government intervention to set minimum standards is warranted. Tenants who believe their unit falls short of those minimum standards—due to structural problems, inadequate heat, fire hazards, or unsanitary conditions—may have grounds to raise those concerns through local code enforcement channels or tenant-rights organizations familiar with Wells municipal ordinances. Understanding that this chapter was enacted specifically to protect occupant health and safety can be relevant context when exploring available remedies.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.