Dayton, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 113 (2026) § 113.139
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Operative Text
When it is necessary to make an inspection to enforce the provisions of this chapter, or when the code official or housing inspector has reasonable cause to believe that there exists in a building or upon a premises a condition that is contrary to or in violation of this chapter, the code official or housing inspector may enter the building or premises at reasonable times to inspect or to perform the duties imposed by this chapter, provided that if such building or premises are occupied that credentials be presented to the occupant and entry requested. If such building or premises is unoccupied, the code official shall first make a reasonable effort to locate the owner or other person having charge or control of the building or premises and request entry. If entry is refused, the code official or housing inspector shall have recourse to the remedies provided by law to secure entry. (Ord. 2018-18, passed 2-28-2018; Ord. 2019-07, passed 6-11-2019)
Dayton Ch. 113 Rental Dwellings § 113.139 establishes the conditions under which city code officials and housing inspectors may enter a rental building or premises. Entry is permitted at reasonable times when an inspection is needed to enforce Chapter 113 or when there is reasonable cause to believe a violation exists, but officials must present credentials and request permission from any occupant before entering. If a property is unoccupied, officials must first attempt to locate the owner or person in control before seeking entry, and if entry is refused, they may pursue legal remedies to gain access.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 113.139, compliant property owners and managers generally cooperate with code officials and housing inspectors who present proper credentials and request entry at reasonable times. When a property is unoccupied, operators who are reachable and responsive to entry requests help facilitate the inspection process without requiring officials to seek court-ordered access. Maintaining current contact information with the city and responding promptly to inspection requests reflects standard practice under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 113.139 of Dayton's Rental Dwellings chapter gives occupants a procedural protection: a code official or housing inspector must present credentials and request entry before entering an occupied unit — they cannot simply walk in unannounced. If you believe an inspector failed to follow this procedure, that may be relevant information when speaking with a tenant-rights organization or raising the matter with the city. Tenants who want to report housing conditions that may warrant an inspection can contact the city's code enforcement office, which operates under the authority established by this chapter.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated November 13, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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