Rental Licensing Program

Background

On November 26, 2018, the Le Sueur City Council approved an update to the Rental License Program and Chapter 115: Rental Regulations. These updates took effect on January 1, 2019. The focus behind the update was to create regulations that are a better fit for the tenants, property owners, and the City of Le Sueur. These updates further support the original purpose of the Rental Regulation, which is to preserve and protect the public health, safety, and the general welfare of the citizens of Le Sueur. Some of the main changes to the regulations include:

• Updated Fees for Rental Regulations (schedule below)
• License Fees and Expiration: Subdivisions 115.06 and 115.07
• Rental License Transfer Requirements: Subdivision 115.12
• Inspection Requirements: Subdivision 115.13
• Removal of the Crime Free Housing Program: Former Subdivision 115.22
• Removal of the City Supplied Training and Information Packet: Former Subdivisions 115.19 and 115.20

These are just a few of the changes, it is the responsibility of all property owners to review the new regulations which can be found in the City of Le Sueur Code of Ordinances.

New for 2019

There are approximately 550 rental units in Le Sueur that require a rental license. The original Rental Licensing Program and the previous version of the Chapter 115 Rental Regulations, had rental licenses issued with a term of 3 years and had an expiration date of December 31^st. This made it difficult for city staff to perform required inspections and issue licenses efficiently. With the updated regulations, licenses will expire on a quarterly basis. Expiration dates will now be March 31^st, June 30^th, September 30^th, and December 31^st, depending on date of issuance.

In order to realign licenses with the new rental terms, the City of Le Sueur will be inspecting every rental unit throughout the 2019 year. Once inspections are passed and rental license fees are paid, the rental license will be issued or renewed for a term of 1, 2, or 3 years. This change staggers the amount of rental inspections and license renewals that need to be completed over the course of each year. License fees will be prorated accordingly. Renewal notices will be sent to each property owner this year. Please follow the instructions on the notices in order to renew your rental license.

It is unlawful for any person, as the owner, manager, or other person having control of any dwelling unit, to lease, rent, offer for rent or lease, or permit to be leased, rented or offered for rent or lease, or permit the occupancy of any dwelling unit as defined in this section within the city without first having obtained a rental license for such dwelling unit as hereafter provided (Subdivision 115.04: License Required).

Any person who violates this chapter shall be punished according to the laws of the State of Minnesota. A violation of this chapter shall constitute a misdemeanor. Each day a person maintains a temporary or permanent residence in violation of this chapter constitutes a separate violation (Subdivision 115.99: Penalty).

Thank you for your continued cooperation in preserving the quality of character and the stability of rental property within the City of Le Sueur.

Rental Regulations Ordinance (PDF)
Residential Rental License Application (PDF)
Residential Rental Inspection Form (PDF)