First of Its Kind Renters’ Rights Law Passed by Duluth Voters

Earlier this month, voters in Duluth successfully endorsed a new renters’ rights law — the first of its kind in Minnesota — that allows tenants to start a repairs process without city inspection and with a guarantee that their landlord will pay. It is hoped the landslide victory will provide renters with more meaningful leverage when a small repair is needed.

The new ordinance requires renters to give their landlord written notice that a “common” repair is needed and that if it’s not fixed or scheduled to be repaired within two weeks, the cost to correct it will be deducted from the tenant’s rent. After that, a licensed contractor could be hired by the tenant with the reimbursement amount not to exceed half a month’s rent or $500, whichever is greater.

Advocates for the new ordinance had argued for months that existing renter protections at the state and local levels weren’t doing the job, especially for simple repairs, and that tenants were waiting for long periods of time or going to court to try and get issues resolved. Those who opposed the ordinance felt it could put renters in legal peril and reduce the availability of rental properties overall. Currently about 40% of housing in Duluth is rental property.

Before the successful passage of the ballot measure, the Minnesota Star Tribune spoke with Justice North and Home Line about potential pitfalls for renters. Peter LaCourse, staff attorney with Justice North, said he would not be concerned about his clients’ legal burden if they hired a contractor under the proposed ordinance. If a repair might exceed $500, he would advise them to begin the typical court process, noting that for small repairs it’s often not worth their or an attorney’s time, which is why some cases fall through the cracks.

Eric Hauge, co-executive director of Home Line, said eviction cases started by landlords are far more prevalent in Minnesota than tenant-initiated repair cases. “There is this belief that the sky is going to fall if tenants are provided additional rights,” he said.