City Code: Licensing of Rental Housing

Subd. 1 — Purpose

It is the purpose of this ordinance to protect the public health, safety and welfare of citizens of the City who have as their place of abode a living unit furnished to them for the payment of a rental charge to another by adopting licensing regulations for all rental dwellings in the City.

Subd. 3 — License Required

No person, firm, partnership, corporation or other legal entity shall operate a rental dwelling in the City without first having obtained a license. The license is issued each year and is valid until the date of expiration.

A rental property owner will receive a Rental License Certificate to post at their rental property or properties once a current Rental Housing License Application is submitted and the appropriate fee is paid. This is an annual process and the rental property owner is required to fill out a new application at least 60 days prior to the expiration of the current license which is by Jan. 31 of each calendar year. All applications must be filled out completely and submitted with the required fee as long as they are renting property in the City of Eden Prairie.

2024 Rental Housing License Fees (valid Feb. 1, 2024–Jan. 31, 2025)

First/Single Unit: $105

Additional Units: $12.75 per unit (only applies if a property owner operates multiple dwelling units within the same rental building under a shared roof)

Follow these steps to apply for a new Rental Housing License:

1. Submit the Rental Housing License Online Inquiry Form
2. Complete your application via the City’s online licensing portal. Instructions for accessing the portal will be sent to you after you’ve submitted the online inquiry form.
3. Complete the inspection requirements. An application may be rejected if an inspection is not completed or in the process of completion.

After you receive your first rental license you will be able to renew your annual license online.

Rental Licenses Must be Renewed Each Year

The City of Eden Prairie requires owners of all rental dwellings to obtain and renew a Rental Housing License on an annual basis. Licenses are valid Feb. 1–Jan. 31 each year and must be renewed prior to expiration, regardless of the date the application is submitted.

Rental Licensing Renewal Portal

Terminate Existing Rental Housing License

Please note, if the status of the property changes back to a rental property at anytime after the completion of the termination form, you are subject to all required licensing rules and fees.

Single Family Dwelling Rentals

• Cigarettes and other smoking material discarded improperly both inside and outside of property
• Small and improper items used for ashtrays — we recommend using a tall metal type container ideally with sand and a lid
• Candles or incense sticks placed on combustible surfaces
• Smoke detectors not working, disconnected or batteries removed
• No carbon monoxide detectors within 10 feet of sleeping areas
• Attached garage wall (sheet-rock) compromised by attic access ladder openings, utility holes, etc.
• Too much storage in home which creates egress and fire hazards
• Hallways, doorways and windows compromised by furniture or storage
• Extension cords used for permanent use, need to have appliances plugged directly into outlets or use protected power strip
• Extension cords used for garage door openers
• Flammable fuels improperly stored
• Items stored on or to close to furnaces, hot water or space heaters, keep 36-inch separation
• Plastic vent ducts used for dryer vents
• Light bulbs missing from light fixtures
• Improper electrical wiring
• Electrical outlet, switch covers or junction box covers missing

Multi-Family Dwellings Rentals (Apartments)

• Cigarettes and other smoking material discarded improperly inside and outside of property
• Small and improper items used for ashtrays — we recommend using a tall metal type container ideally with sand and a lid
• Candles or incense sticks placed on combustible surfaces
• Smoke detectors not working, disconnected or batteries removed
• Barbecue grills or propane tanks found on premise, not allowed to use or store anywhere in these types of occupancies
• Too much storage in apartment which creates egress and fire hazards
• Items stored on or to close to furnaces, hot water or space heaters, keep 36-inch separation
• Items stored in apartment hallways just outside tenants unit doors such as doormats, shoes, selves, plants and holiday displays, no items can be stored in these hallways
• Items hung on or blocking sprinkler heads
• Storage in underground parking garage stalls
• Hallways, doorways and windows compromised by furniture or storage
• Light bulbs missing from light fixtures
• Flammable fuels improperly stored
• Entrance/Exit doors not self closing
• Trash-room doors and trash-shoot doors not self closing or latching
• Self closing fire doors propped open
• Emergency lights not working
• Emergency Exit lights not working
• Electrical outlet, switch covers or junction box covers missing
• Extension cords used for permanent use, need to have appliances plugged directly into outlets or use protected power strip
• Items stored to close or in front of electrical panels, sprinkler valve systems, keep 36-inch separation
• Items stored in elevator room, state doesn't allow storage in these rooms

Tenants who wish to submit a complaint regarding rental property housing code violations must complete the following steps:

• Step One: Tenant must inform the landlord/property owner of complaint(s) in writing, such as a letter or email. Verbal conversations do not qualify.
• Step Two: Tenant must allow landlord/property owner 14 days to reply with a Plan of Action and timeframe to address the complaints.
• Step Three: If complaints are not corrected within the timeframe set in the Plan of Action, the tenant may submit this form with a copy of the original complaint sent to the landlord/property owner.

Following submission of the form, the Eden Prairie Fire Department will conduct an inspection for complaints which pertain to housing codes. The property owner will receive an order of correction for any violations found at the time of inspection.

To learn more about landlords and tenants rights and responsibilities, or for lease questions or disagreements, contact the following:

MN Attorney General

651-296-3353 or 1-800-657-3787
ag.state.mn.us

HOME Line

612-728-5767 or 1-866-866-3546
homelinemn.org

Related Information

Carbon Monoxide Brochure [PDF]

Emergency Escape - Windows

MN State Statue - Smoke Detectors

Smoke Alarm Tips and Information