Proposed Rental Housing Licensing Program

Currently rental properties in Maplewood must be maintained under the same requirements as owner occupied housing. The City of Maplewood is considering implementing a rental licensing program to maintain housing standards and promote public safety and welfare. The goal of this licensing program is to implement an inspection and maintenance program that corrects substandard conditions, maintains a standard for existing and newly constructed rental dwellings, and ensures neighborhood stability within the city.

Key points of the proposed program include:

  • Owners/property managers would be required to attend a Crime Free Multi-Housing Phase 1 training or its equivalent.
  • Rental properties must pass a City inspection and continue to maintain the property in accordance to code requirements.
  • Owners/property managers would be required to screen all potential tenants by using a written rental application which contains sufficient information to conduct a Criminal Background check and a Credit History check.
  • Owners/property managers would be required to use a written lease for all tenants and all leases must require tenants to sign a “Lease Addendum for Crime-Free/Drug-Free Housing.”
  • Criminal Background Investigation on Property Owner(s)/representatives.
  • Property Owners would be required to provide 24-hour contact information for a person who resides within the Twin City metropolitan service area who is responsible for code compliance of the rental property. This person will be either the owner or agent of the property.
  • The City Manager may deny or not renew a license and the City Council may revoke or suspend a rental license for failure to address tenant or property issues.

Before any final decisions are made by the City Council, a Public Hearing will be held and you will be invited to provide feedback directly to the Council. You are invited to take a survey at www.maplewoodmn.gov/rentalsurvey.

 If you have any questions or would like to speak to City Staff, please feel free to contact Michael Martin, Assistant Community Development Director, at 651-249-2303 or Michael.Martin@maplewoodmn.gov.

Resources for Renters in Maplewood


• Ramsey County District Court - MN Statute 504B.385 allows renters to file a Rent Escrow Action against their landlord if they are not maintaining the property. The Second District Court can give you more information on how to do this, 651-266-8230.

• Minnesota Attorney General’s Office - The office's website contains a section on Landlord and Tenants Rights and Responsibilities.

• HOME Line - This is a nonprofit Minnesota statewide tenant advocacy organization with many online resources for renters.

•Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services - Free legal resources to low income and seniors (60+) in a full range of civil matters.