Entering Tenants Room:

The landlord or her/his agent has the right to inspect the premises if s/he has reason to believe a dangerous condition exists which may need to be corrected, or if s/he has reason to believe that the property is being damaged. S/he does not have the right to enter with no reason at any time s/he desires. If there is reason to believe that the landlord is entering unreasonably on the tenants premises, an original report should be made and the complainant should contact the City of Saint Paul Attorneys Office to attempt to resolve the situation.

Damage by Tenants:

If a tenant is currently paid up in her/his rent, s/he has the right to quiet possession or enjoyment. If there is damage to a landlord's property with no clear proof that the damage was malicious, there will probably be no criminal action. However, the landlord may have cause for civil action to recover for negligent or willful damage to her/his property. When a landlord insists that damage was done willfully and maliciously, the officer will not make an arrest; an original report will be made and procedures for prosecution in district court will be followed.

Unlawful Ouster or Exclusion:

If a tenant is removed or excluded from the land or tenements, or if electrical, heat, gas or water service has been intentionally interrupted with intent to remove or exclude the tenant, the officer will write an original report to the city attorney for the purpose of determining whether or not criminal action can be taken under Minnesota Statute 609.606.

Revised July 1, 2011

Last Edited: March 20, 2017