Brooklyn Center, MN
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Which properties have a rental license?
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Do I need a license to rent my home? What are the requirements to rent my home?
Rental Program
Rental License Program
Since June 1, 1975, the City of Brooklyn Center has required rental properties to be licensed in order to ensure that rental housing is decent, safe, sanitary and does not become a nuisance to the neighborhood or become an influence that fosters blight/deterioration, or creates a disincentive to reinvest in the community.
The operation of residential rental properties is a business enterprise that necessitates certain responsibilities. Operators are responsible for taking such reasonable steps as necessary to ensure that the citizens of Brooklyn Center who occupy such units may pursue the quiet enjoyment of the normal activities of life in surroundings that are safe, secure and sanitary.
A rental license is required for any housing that is not owner occupied, regardless of property tax status or compensation for occupancy. Short term rental properties (Airbnb) are required to have a rental license. Owner occupied properties renting one or more rooms and approved accessory dwelling units (ADU) do not require a rental license.
In May of 2026, a new 2-year rental license program was adopted. All rental licenses issued will be a 2-year license and will be required to pass a rental license inspection. As a current rental license expires, the new license issued will be a 2-year license when renewed. The inspection process has been modified; however, the physical inspection of the property will still be required. The City will conduct inspections utilizing City codes, the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and applicable Minnesota Codes and Statutes.
Failure to Comply
Owners of a non-licensed rental property may be issued administrative citations and/or be prosecuted and sentenced to rental penalties, prosecution charges and fines, and in some cases local confinement for a rental license violation. Rental license violations are a misdemeanor.
State Licensed Assisted Living Facilities
On May 19, 2024, The State of Minnesota passed a bill that prohibits cities from requiring a rental license on State licensed assisted living facilities with six (6) or fewer residents. For properties with a rental license that is also a State licensed assisted living facility with six (6) or fewer residents, the rental license has been made inactive. The City will no longer require a rental license for Assisted Living Facilities. The business can still operate in the City and at the property. The State will continue to regulate any licensed assisted living facilities, and any questions or concerns should be directed to the State. The exterior of the property is still required to be maintained and is still subject to the City's property maintenance standards. The licensed assisted living facility is still required to obtain any building, plumbing, mechanical and/or electrical permits through the City for work that is done on the property.
For more information about the bill, you can go here and read the bill that was passed.
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