The City of Minneapolis recently changed Title 12, Chapter 244 of the Minneapolis Code of Ordinances Related to Housing:  Maintenance Code.  That’s a mouthful, but here is the summary.

The community crime prevention/SAFE unit and the inspections division will be responsible for enforcement and administration of this new ordinance.  If a there is a police call (and probable cause) to a rental property in Minneapolis for any of the following violations (a conviction or arrest is not necessary):

1. Gambling
2. Prostitution
3. Sale or possession of controlled substances
4. Unlawful sale of alcoholic beverages
5. Noisy assembly
6. Unlawful possession, transportation, sale or use of a weapon
7. Disturbance of the peace

After the first offense for any of the above violations, the city will send the landlord a violation letter.  Within 10 days, the landlord will be required to submit a written management plan to the community crime prevention/SAFE unit.  Failure to submit a plan can result in the revocation, suspension, or refusal of renewal of the Minneapolis rental license.  These departments will work with the landlord and approve the plan.

If there is another violation at the same residence within 18 months of the initial violation, the landlord must again submit a “satisfactory” written management plan to the SAFE team within 10 days.  The management plan must detail all actions taken in the last 12 months by the landlord to abate the original problem and to prevent further violations.  Failing to submit a plan can result in the rental license being in jeopardy.  Additionally, the landlord or his designee must attend a property owner’s workshop prepared by the SAFE team.

A third violation within 18 months after the 2nd violation will put the license in jeopardy.

If the landlord has a pending eviction action against the tenant or his/her guest involved in the violation or has issued a writ to vacate within 30 days, the landlord may submit the eviction documents to the SAFE team within 10 days of the reciept of the violation notice.  If the eviction is being pursued “diligently”, there may be no adverse license action.  Further, any adverse license action to revoke, deny, suspend or not renew may be postponed or discontinued if it appears the landlord has taken appropriate action to prevent further violations.

This new ordinance could have far reaching effects depending upon its use.