Minneapolis rental license process
Minneapolis requires a rental license for any dwelling unit where the owner is not occupying the unit (even if no rent is paid or the occupant is a relative), and even for vacant units advertised for rent. The city uses tiering to determine inspection frequency and costs, with higher tiers inspected more often. We handle each step for you.
Confirm the Property Requires a Rental License
Same dayWe verify the owner-occupancy situation and whether any units are being rented/offered for rent. City rule-of-thumb: if owner is not occupying the unit, a license is required.
Determine Ownership Setup and Local Contact Needs
1-2 daysIf owner lives >60 miles away (or outside specified counties), we help designate a local contact/agent. If owned by an entity, we prepare entity ownership documentation.
Prepare Application + Unit Details
1-2 daysWe prepare the rental license application with owner information, property details, and for multi-unit properties, provide unit grid/unit types as requested by the city form.
Submit the Application
Same dayWe submit the application online, in-person, or by mail (city explicitly says you can submit any of these ways—and only once).
Pay Required Fees
Same day to a few daysWe handle payment of base fees (which depend on tier and unit count) plus possible supplemental fee. We also watch for administrative fees if not applied within 60 days of purchase, and coordinate change-of-ownership or conversion inspections if applicable.
Inspection Cycle Applies Based on Tier
Ongoing (inspection cycles vary by tier)The city assigns a tier based on property condition: Tier 1 (8-year inspection cycle), Tier 2 (5-year inspection cycle), Tier 3 (1-year inspection cycle). Higher tiers are inspected more frequently and have higher fees.
Ongoing Compliance Obligations
OngoingWe help ensure you post the license certificate and "Who to Call" poster, notify Regulatory Services in writing within 10 days of key application-person info changes, and handle required tenant disclosures when applicable.
Overall timeline
The city does not give a single universal timeline; timing is driven by submission method, fee/payment status, inspection scheduling, property tier, and whether a change-of-ownership/conversion inspection applies. Renewals are due March 1 each year.
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We'll handle the entire Minneapolis rental license process for you.
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