New repair ordinance gives St. Paul renters leverage
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Nearly 80% of St. Paul voters approved the so-called "right-to-repair" ordinance. Photo: Kyle Stokes/Axios
St. Paul voters overwhelmingly approved a new "right-to-repair" ordinance, handing tenants a lot more leverage over their landlords when something breaks in their rental housing.
Yes, but: The real thrust of the ordinance won't be renters fixing washing machines themselves, but rather to compel their landlords to do it faster.
Catch up quick: The Safe Homes St. Paul campaign pitched its proposal as a "break in case of emergency" solution for renters dealing with egregious neglect.
- Under the language, tenants will be able to deduct half-a-month's rent to pay for repairs if their landlord doesn't fix them after 14 days' written notice.
What they're saying: Duluth enacted a similar ordinance a year ago, and the main effect has been to spur landlords into action so tenants don't contract out the work themselves, St. Paul campaign coordinator Cole Hanson tells Axios.
- "I don't know another business where you cannot respond to your customers for two weeks and stay in business," Hanson says.
"Utilization is going to be low," predicts Minnesota Multi Housing president Cecil Smith, who opposed the St. Paul proposal. He says most property owners and managers are diligent about repairs.
Friction points: If tenants do flex their new powers, Smith still has concerns.
- Even if a professional handles the work, it could trigger serious questions about landlords' insurance and warranty coverage — or whether tenants are empowered to pull city permits for more-involved repairs, Smith tells Axios.
- The Minnesota Court of Appeals rejected the city's request to pre-empt the ordinance — but their ruling also acknowledged the potential for these permitting complications.
What we're watching: When asked whether property owners are considering their own legal challenge, Smith told Axios "no comment."
What's next: Don't write your landlord just yet. The ordinance doesn't take effect until after Ramsey County certifies the election results.