In 2020, with the rise of COVID-19, the City of Worthington temporarily stopped conducting rental housing inspections. Following that in 2021, the City officially suspended the program entirely and sought to make changes to the requirements and program prior to re-starting inspections.

In June of 2022, City Council adopted an ordinance that made several changes to the existing Rental Housing Ordinance. The City is now beginning the process of getting rental units registered in preparation of resuming rental inspections in 2023.

INFORMATION FOR LANDLORDS

!!2023 rental registration is now past due. Late Fees Apply.!!

- All rental units must be registered by January 1st, 2023. Failure to register a rental unit will result in a late penalty.

- Review the checklist of rental housing standards and ensure all units meet those standards.

- Schedule 2023 inspection with City Staff by calling 507-372-8640. Following the 2023 inspection you will be notified of the next date the unit is due for inspection (may be subject to change).

-  Violations of Worthington's Rental Housing Ordinance may result in fines or additional legal action.

INFORMATION FOR TENANTS

- You, as the tenant or occupant of rental unit, have the responsibility to ensure you maintain the unit in a clean and sanitary condition. This includes things such as: cleaning up garbage, sweeping, mopping, keeping all food stored and sealed properly, and maintaina clean environment throught the unit.

- Overcrowding is dangerous! Make sure there is sufficient room for each occupant in a unit and that each has adequate sleeping space. In the links below click on Rental Housing Ordinance or Rental Housing Inspection Brochure for exact square footage required per person.

- Sleeping in a room with no window or emergency exit is very dangerous. Make sure you are not using any room as a bedroom if there is no emergency exit.

- The City is not responsible for mediating disputes regarding rent payments or changes to the tenants' lease. For more information regarding your rights when it comes to paying rent, signing leases etc.. this website from the State Attorney General contains lots of helpful information: https://www.ag.state.mn.us/consumer/handbooks/lt/default.asp

- If you or someone you know is living in a unit that is unsafe, in disrepair, or has any other issue of concern you may contact the Community Development Department to submit a complaint. City Staff will follow up on all complaints and ensure that any violations of the City's Rental Housing Ordinance are taken care of. Complaints may be kept anonymous.

Resource Links:

• Rental Housing Ordinance
• Rental Unit Registration Application
• Rental Program Fees and Fines (Adopted 2022)
• Rental Housing Standards Checkliist Brochure (English)
• Rental Housing Standards Checklist Brochure (Spanish) Lista de verificación de estándares de viviendas de alquiler
• Letter Mailed to Landlords Regarding 2023 Registration (English and Spanish)