Wells, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 150 (2026) § 93.02
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
(A) For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. DWELLING. Any structure designed or intended to be used primarily for residential purposes. DWELLING UNIT. Any specific area, space, or rooms in any building, structure, or enclosure or any part thereof, including any mobile home, rented or leased, or offered for rent or lease, by any person(s) to any other person(s) for use for residential purposes by the other person(s). LONG-TERM HOTEL DWELLING UNIT. A building, structure, enclosure, or any part thereof used as, maintained as, advertised as, or held out to be place where sleeping accommodations are furnished to the public and furnishing accommodations for periods of more than 1 week. ROOMING HOUSE DWELLING UNIT. Any specific area, space, or room in any building, structure, or enclosure or any part thereof, within a dwelling used or held out to be a place where sleeping accommodations are furnished to the public a regular roomers for periods of 1 week or more. (B) This chapter does not apply to any hotel or motel room or facility license by the State of Minnesota. (Ord. 231, passed 9-8-1997)
Wells Ch. 150 Residential Rentals § 93.02 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the chapter governing residential rentals in Wells. It distinguishes between a general 'dwelling,' a 'dwelling unit,' a 'long-term hotel dwelling unit' (accommodations furnished for more than one week), and a 'rooming house dwelling unit' (sleeping accommodations rented to regular roomers for one week or more). Notably, the provision explicitly excludes hotel and motel rooms or facilities licensed by the State of Minnesota from the chapter's coverage.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Wells should be familiar with the definitions set out in § 93.02, as they determine which types of rental arrangements fall under the chapter's requirements. A compliant operator generally identifies whether their property qualifies as a dwelling unit, long-term hotel dwelling unit, or rooming house dwelling unit, since each category may carry distinct obligations. Operators of state-licensed hotel or motel facilities should note that § 93.02(B) explicitly places those properties outside the chapter's scope.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Wells benefit from understanding the definitions in § 93.02, because the category of rental arrangement—whether a standard dwelling unit, a long-term hotel dwelling unit, or a rooming house dwelling unit—can affect which protections under the chapter apply to their situation. If a tenant believes their housing arrangement is being mischaracterized in a way that affects their rights, they may consider consulting a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance. Tenants in state-licensed hotels or motels should be aware that § 93.02(B) places those arrangements outside this chapter's protections.
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.
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