Rental Housing

Initial inspections for new rental properties are typically scheduled during the application process for a new Rental Housing Certificate. After the initial inspection, the rental property requires routine inspections. The frequency of routine inspections is determined by a property incentive system. The system scores properties based on the number of violations found during inspection, resulting in inspection cycles of every three years, every two years, or every year. Routine Inspections may be scheduled upon payment of fees and in advance of your Certificate's expiration date. Request an inspection by submitting an Inspection Request form or by calling (507) 328-2600 during office hours.

Note: only the property owner or manager may escort the Housing Inspector through the rental property.

To obtain a Rental Property Certificate, submit a Rental Property Application. After an application has been received:

• The application is reviewed, and the City teammates verify zoning requirements; they will notify the applicant when they can proceed with scheduling an inspection.
• The applicant must schedule an on-site inspection with Community Development's Housing Inspection team to verify compliance with the Housing Code.
  • If deficiencies are found during the inspection, the violations must be corrected. When corrections are completed, a re-inspection is conducted to verify compliance.  

As a part of the initial application process, all landlords or their property managers must complete either a Landlord Public Safety Seminar or Phase I of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Programs. Once this requirement is fulfilled and submitted to the Community Development Department, this portion of the certification process is valid for life (requiring renewal fees and inspections to remain active) and covers all present and future rentals. 

Once the Rental Property Application has been completed, the inspection has been approved, and the Landlord requirements are met, a Rental Property Certificate is issued for the property. 

Once your rental is registered with the City, you will receive notification of renewal fees due and a request for an inspection approximately 90 days before your certificate expires. You must call Community Development to schedule an inspection before the expiration date, allowing enough time to complete any corrections and re-inspections before the rental housing certificate expires. When the renewal fee has been paid and the inspection approved, the Rental Property Certificate can be issued.

Please submit photos and videos of corrections using the Rental Housing Picture or Video Submission Form. Please read all instructions before submitting your pictures or videos; incomplete or incorrect submissions will not be accepted.

According to Chapter 7-5-1 of the Rochester Code of Ordinances, it is mandatory for anyone who rents out a dwelling to obtain a Rental Property Certificate or Rental Housing Certificate. A dwelling is considered rental when someone other than the owner, or their relatives, occupies the dwelling whether money is exchanged or not. This includes single family homes when the owner does not occupy the home, but does not include hotels, motels, rooming houses, nursing homes, and hospitals which are licensed by other agencies. Renting without a certificate is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1000 fine, 90 days in jail, or both.

To ensure compliance with the Housing Code, the rental property requires routine inspections. The frequency of the routine inspections is determined according to a property incentive system. The system scores properties based on the number of violations found during  inspection, and results in an inspection cycle of either every three years, every two years, or every year.  

Note: Rental certificates must be transferred within 30 days of a property being sold.

First adopted in 1967, City Council developed Rochester's Housing Code to protect individual and community health, safety, and well-being.  Every dwelling in Rochester, including owner-occupied and rental properties, must comply with the minimum standards and maintenance set forth in the Code.  The Code is administered and enforced by Community Development's Building Safety Division, and addresses the following areas: structural integrity, fire safety, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and site conditions.

Below are direct links to the Housing Code in the Rochester Code of Ordinances:

• Chapter 7-1  Definitions

• Chapter 7-2  Preface

• Chapter 7-3  Administration and Enforcement

• Chapter 7-4  General Requirements

• Chapter 7-5  Light, Ventilation and Occupancy Limitations

• Chapter 7-6  Plumbing Facilities and Fixture Requirements

• Chapter 7-7  Mechanical and Electrical Requirements

• Chapter 7-8  Fire Safety Requirements

• Chapter 7-9  Rental Unit Registration

• Chapter 7-10  Short Term Rental Housing Platforms

The Rochester Multi-Housing Association (RMHA) is a coalition of property owners, managers and others associated with the housing industry for Rochester and the surrounding area. The association works together to navigate current events, problems, trends, and other issues affecting the industry with the goal of growing and succeeding in an ever-changing market.

The Rochester Apartment Finder website is an online database to help you find an apartment based on your needs. Visit the Experience Rochester website to learn more about Rochester and what it has to offer.