Fair Housing

Fair Housing Month: April

Fair Housing Month is a time to reaffirm our commitment to equal housing opportunities for all residents. Throughout the month, we raise awareness about the importance of fair housing laws and principles, ensuring that every individual has the right to access housing free from discrimination. By doing so, we empower our community members with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act and strive to uphold Saint Paul as a city where everyone can thrive and prosper, regardless of background. Join us in championing fair housing practices and building a more equitable future for all.

Housing Discrimination Under the Fair Housing Act

The Fair Housing Act safeguards against injustices in various housing-related activities, protecting individuals from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), familial status, disability, and nation of origin. It prohibits discriminatory actions in renting, selling, lending, and more, ensuring equal access to housing opportunities.

Learn more about the Fair Housing Act by visiting the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website.

Fair Housing Resources

New apartment buildings on a quiet street with green space in front.

Stay Informed

For Renters

File a Discrimination Complaint If you believe that you’ve been subject to discrimination in housing, submit a complaint form.

Report a Concern Report a property or safety concern to our Department of Safety and Inspections.

Homebuying Resources Learn about assistance programs and guidance for buying a home.

For Landlords and Property Managers

Landlord 101 Take our free course to learn foundational property management skills or get a refresher on renter and landlord rights and responsibilities.

Empowering Your Property Search: Information Is Key Navigate property markets confidently with comprehensive reports, tax assessments, zoning information, and more.

Building Together: Property Owner Programs Rooted in Affordability Explore the City of Saint Paul’s 4(d) Affordable Housing Incentive and Rental Rehab Loan programs, aimed at expanding safe and stable housing options for low-income families amidst rising rent costs in the Twin Cities.

Submit a Certificate of Occupancy for Your Rental If you’re a landlord of a single-family rental or duplex and don’t live on the premises, you are required to register the property.

Fair Housing Resources

Know Your Rights and Responsibilities

Learn about your rights and responsibilities as a renter, landlord, or property manager in Minnesota using this handbook from the Attorney General's office.

Attorney General's Rights and Responsibilities Handbook

HOME Line Webinar Series

HOME Line, a Minnesota nonprofit, is hosting a series of free public education seminars and other efforts to get the word out about new renters’ rights that were enacted in 2023. All webinars include detailed presentations by HOME Line legal staff and guest speakers—and each session will be recorded and available on their website afterwards.

Access HOME Line Webinars

Certificate of Occupancy Map

This map shows all inspected residential Fire Certificate of Occupancy structures in Saint Paul. Customers can search the map according to the grade of the property, then click on individual addresses to learn more. The City of Saint Paul requires that all buildings, except for owner-occupied single family and duplex structures, have and maintain a Fire Certificate of Occupancy issued by DSI.

View the Certificate of Occupancy Map

Families First Housing Pilot

The Families First Housing Pilot provides Saint Paul families a $300 monthly rent supplement and ongoing supportive services for three years, in partnership with the Saint Paul Public Schools.

The program is funded by the Housing Trust Fund, developed by Mayor Melvin Carter to produce, preserve, and protect housing affordability for Saint Paul residents. Additional funding is provided by the Family Housing Fund, McKnight Foundation, Pohlad Foundation, and Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation.

Supportive services are provided by Community Stabilization Project, Saint Paul City School in partnership with Model Cities, Neighborhood House, Wilder Foundation, and YWCA Saint Paul.

Families First Application and Eligibility