Rental license rules and regulations

In general

You need a rental license for any dwelling unit where the owner does not live in the unit.

This includes units where:

• No rent is paid
• A relative lives in the unit

Foreclosed property

You must keep a rental license until the redemption date listed on the foreclosure documents.

See foreclosure information

Relative homestead

You need a rental license if the property is a relative homestead, even if the relative is not paying rent.

Learn about homestead applications

Vacant unit

Vacant units advertised for rent need a rental license.

Roommates

You do not need a rental license for roommates as long as you own and live in the property.

Relative living in same unit with you

You do not need a rental license if you:

• Live in the property and
• Have a family member living with you in the same unit

Duplex or triplex as a single household

You can reduce your waste and recycling bill if you own and live in a duplex or triplex as a single household.

Apply for a license exemption

Notify the City

Notify Minneapolis Regulatory Services in writing within 10 days about any changes to:

• Names of people on the application
• Addresses of people on the application
• Other information about people on the application

Contact Regulatory Services

Notify renters

Property owners must notify renters about:

• An eviction for not paying rent or fees, before the process starts
• Foreclosure or a cancelled contract for the property deed
• In advance of selling some types of affordable housing
• Specific information before and after renters sign a lease
• Environmental and lead contamination

You must also post your rental license certificate and a Who to Call poster in a common area of the building.

See all renter notification rules

Notify buyers

When selling a rental dwelling, the owner must notify the buyer in writing about:

• Unresolved housing violation orders
• Administrative citations issued by Regulatory Services