Rental Housing License
A license is required for all residential rental property.
Purpose
The purpose of rental housing licensing is to enhance the supply of safe, sanitary, and adequate structures and living conditions for residents and to prevent the deterioration of rental structures in IGH. Rental housing licensing helps ensure property maintenance, preservation of neighborhood stability, the quality of rental housing stock, and the maintenance of property values. Rental property owners must also comply with the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC). The IPMC provides minimum standards for building maintenance, property maintenance, light, ventilation, pests, garbage collection, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and fire safety.
Who Should Be Licensed?
All rental property owners are required to be licensed, including apartments, townhomes, condominiums, manufactured homes, and single-family residences that are rented.
Short-Term Rental Properties
Effective April 1, 2025, rental properties must be rented for a period of 30 days or more. However, owner-occupied homes are exempt from this requirement, meaning property owners can still offer short-term rentals of all or a portion of their home, such as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), if the rental property owner is homesteaded. View the Amended Rental Ordinance 1468 Effective April 1, 2025.
What Are the IGH Rental License Requirements?
All rental license applications are submitted online. We no longer accept paper applications. There are four components to each rental housing license. They are:
- Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Background Checks of Property Managers: Landlords must request background checks on all currently employed managers. [Minn. Stat. § 299C.68, subd. 1 (2023)]. The BCA Background must be dated within 12 months of the application date. Property owners also performing property management duties will be required to obtain a BCA background. To submit a form to the BCA to begin the background check process, owners and landlords can contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, CHA Unit, 1430 Maryland Avenue East, St. Paul, MN 55106, or call 651-793-2400. Visit the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website.
- Crime-Free Lease Addendum: As a condition of the license, the landlord must use the Minnesota crime-free lease addendum or its equivalent, as part of its leases. Landlords are not required to submit the lease to the city; however, you must provide it upon request.
- Rental Housing Application: Each property requires a completed, owner-signed rental license application. This is uploaded during the online application. Access the Rental Housing Application (PDF).
- Payment of Rental License: Payment is made online during the time of application. Payment can be made with a credit card, debit card, or e-check.
How Can I Apply for a Rental License?
Once you have successfully completed the BCA background check and rental application, you are now ready to apply for the rental license. Please follow these steps:
- Go to the IGH Permit Portal.
- Register. Register using your email and 8-character password.
- Click on ‘Apply for a Rental License’.
- Complete the 8 steps in the application process.
- Upload Documents. When requested, upload the Rental Application and the BCA Background check.
- Pay for Rental License. When requested, pay for the license with a credit card, debit card, or e-check.
- Submit the application. City staff will receive the application.
- The application will be reviewed and sent to the IGH Police Department and the City Council for approval. Please allow 2-4 weeks for processing.
- Rental License issued. The City will email the approved rental license. Please post near the entrance to your property in a conspicuous location for occupants to view.
When Should My Rental License Be Renewed?
All rental licenses must be renewed every year. Emails will be sent to remind property owners that it is time for their rental license renewal. However, it is the responsibility of the property owner to renew their rental license before it expires. All rental licenses are issued with an expiration date. The IGH licensing timeframe is as follows:
- Renewal Period: Completed applications must be received via the Permit Portal between November 1 and January 31, prior to the expiration date.
- Expiration Date: All rental licenses due to expire will expire on March 31.
- Incomplete Rental Applications: All rental license applications must be completed when submitted – completed rental form, Tennessen & Authorization forms for each owner and property manager with key access, completed BCA background and payment. If an incomplete application is received, the licensee has 10 days to complete the rental application. After the 10 days, the license application will be cancelled without refund of payment. Another license will need to be applied for online.
- License Period Begins: All rental licenses start on April 1.
- Late Fees: Renewal applications are subject to a late fee if the City does not receive a completed rental application by January 31.
- Licenses that are not renewed: All active rental properties that have not renewed their license are in violation of City Code and will be forwarded to an IGH City Code official, who will issue a citation.
Which Properties Are Exempt From Needing a Rental License*?
- Hospitals
- State-licensed residential care facilities
- Assisted living facilities
- Nursing homes
- Hotels or motels
- Single-family homes where the owner resides in the home and there are no more than 3 persons within the dwelling unrelated to the owner and each other.
- Accessory dwelling units
- Supervised student housing
- Relative homestead
*See City Code 4-13-4.
Inspections
For the purpose of safeguarding the health and safety of the public and occupants of rental properties, City Staff may conduct official inspections to determine the condition of rental buildings and premises. If an inspection is required, a written notice will be mailed to the occupant not less than 72 hours prior to the scheduled inspection. In the event of an emergency, where immediate danger to the public exists, access to a property must be given immediately. It is unlawful for any person to interfere with the performance of official inspection duties.
Need More Information?
For questions regarding rental property requirements, licensing, or to request an inspection, please email the Assistant to the Chief Building Official or call 651-450-2552.
Resources
Resources for Landlords & Tenants
- Landlords and Tenants: Minnesota Attorney General's Landlord-Tenant Guide (PDF) or Duenos e Inquilinos (PDF) (spanish) Rights and Responsibilities published by the Minnesota Attorney General's Office is available in alternative formats by calling 651-296-3353 (Twin Cities calling area), 800-657-3787 (outside the Twin Cities), or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 800-627-3529.
- Landlords and Tenants Rights and Responsibilities Per the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office: The rights and duties of landlords and tenants in Minnesota are spelled out in federal law, states statutes, local ordinances, safety and housing codes, common law, contract law, and a number of court decisions. These responsibilities can vary from place to place around the state. Certain rights and duties apply to landlords and tenants everywhere in Minnesota. View the guidebook to Landlords and Tenants Rights and Responsibilities or contact the Minnesota State Attorney General’s Office at 651-296-3333 (TTY: 651-297-7206).
- Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MHA): MHA is a state-wide nonprofit trade organization. With nearly 2,100 members representing more than 250,000 housing units throughout Minnesota, MHA is the voice of the state's multi-housing industry.
- Home Line: Home Line is a Minnesota tenant advocacy organization providing confidential, free, and low-cost legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services to tenants throughout Minnesota. Contact them at Free Legal Help for Renters - HOME Line or phone 612-728-5767/English, 612-255-8870/Espanol, 612-255-7104/Hmoob, 800-866-3546/Greater Minnesota. New Minnesota Tenant/Landlord Laws effective January 1, 2024 - Public Summary of 2023 Legislative Changes (HL Letterhead) - updated January 8, 2024.