Edina, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 10, art. XVIII § 10-722
Definitions
Operative Text
For the purpose of this section, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. Apartment building means a residential building having not less than three dwelling units in a single building with at least one dwelling unit occupying a different story than other dwelling units in the same building. (Edina zoning code definition). City manager means the city manager or the city manager's designated agent. Dwelling unit means one or more rooms connected together, but which is or are separated from all other rooms in the same building, which room constitutes, or rooms constitute, a separate, independent unit with facilities for cooking, sleeping and eating, and used for residential occupancy. A room or rooms shall be deemed to be a dwelling unit if it contains or they contain facilities for cooking, sleeping and eating, if it or they can be separated from all other rooms in the same building, if access can be gained without entering or passing through any living space of another dwelling unit, and if it is or they are used for residential occupancy. If a dwelling unit has an attached garage, then the attached garage is deemed a part of the dwelling unit. (Edina zoning code definition). Let for occupancy or to let means to permit possession or occupancy of a dwelling or living unit by a person who is not the legal owner of record thereof or a relative of the owner pursuant to a written or unwritten lease, or pursuant to a recorded or unrecorded agreement whether or not a fee is required by the agreement. "Relative" means a parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew, or niece. This relationship may be by blood or marriage. Occupant means any person living or sleeping in a dwelling; or having possession of a space within a dwelling. Operate means to let for occupancy or to let. Operator/manager means any person who has charge, care or control of a structure or premises which is let or offered for occupancy. Owner/licensee means any person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or municipality as holding title to the property; or otherwise having control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court, or any person representing the actual owner. Person means an individual, corporation, firm, association, company, partnership, organization or any other group acting as a unit. Rent means to let for occupancy or to let. Rental dwelling means any apartment building or dwelling unit let for occupancy. Rental dwelling does not include hotels, motels, and hospitals. Structure means anything built or constructed, an edifice or building of any kind, or any piece of work composed of parts joined together in some definite manner, and including, without limitation, towers, poles and fences except parking lots and driveways.
Section 10-722 of Edina City Code Chapter 10, Article XVIII establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout Edina's rental dwelling regulations. Key terms such as "apartment building," "dwelling unit," "rental dwelling," and "operator/manager" are given precise meanings that govern how the rest of the article is interpreted and applied. Notably, the definitions clarify that letting a unit to a relative is excluded from the definition of "let for occupancy," and that hotels, motels, and hospitals fall outside the scope of "rental dwelling."
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 10-722, property owners and managers should be aware that the definitions in this section shape their obligations throughout Edina's rental dwelling regulations. An "owner/licensee" is broadly defined to include not just titleholders but also agents, guardians, and estate representatives who exercise control over a property, meaning responsibility can attach to parties beyond the named deed holder. Operators who let units to qualifying relatives as defined in § 10-722 should note that such arrangements may fall outside the regulatory definition of "let for occupancy," though the overall structure and use of the property still determines whether other provisions apply.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 10-722 of Edina City Code Chapter 10, Article XVIII defines who qualifies as an "occupant" and what constitutes a "rental dwelling" under Edina's rental regulations, which can affect what protections and obligations apply to a given living arrangement. Tenants living in an apartment building of three or more units, or in any dwelling unit let for occupancy, generally fall within the scope of these regulations. Those who believe their housing situation may be covered—or improperly excluded—by these definitions may wish to consult the City of Edina or a tenant-rights organization for general information about how § 10-722 interacts with the rest of the article.
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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