Emily, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 150 (2026) § 150.03
APPLICATION
Operative Text
(A) General. This chapter applies to buildings, their premises, accessory structures thereto and dwelling units therein, used or designed to be used for any occupancy. (B) Existing buildings. (1) A building lawfully existing under Ch. 152 of this code of ordinances must conform to this chapter. (2) A building need not be altered to exceed the requirements of Ch. 152 of this code of ordinances in effect at the time of its construction, except in the following cases: (a) If a portion of the building is altered, that portion must be built pursuant to Ch. 152 of this code of ordinances in effect at the time of alteration; (b) If the building is moved or relocated; or (c) If the building is determined to be unsafe or hazardous by the Building Housing Official or other designated official pursuant to Ch. 152 of this code of ordinances or state law; or that portion deemed unsafe must be built to current codes. Occupancy in buildings, lawfully existing under the Building Code may be continued under this chapter. (C) Utilities. Except as otherwise provided by law, an owner, operator or occupant may not cause service equipment or utility service that is required by this chapter to be removed, shut off or discontinued for any occupied dwelling let or occupied by that person, except for such temporary interruption as may be necessary while actual repairs alterations are in process or during temporary emergencies. (D) Transfer of responsibility. A contract between owner and operator, operator and occupant, or owner and occupant, with regard to compliance with this chapter, does not relieve the owner or operator of a duty imposed by this chapter. (E) Notice of maximum occupancy. An owner or operator must advise the occupant, in writing, by inserting in the lease between the parties or otherwise, of the maximum number of occupants/family members permitted in each occupied unit which is pursuant to Ch. 152 of this code of ordinances. (Ord. passed - -2012)
Emily Ch. 150 Rental Properties § 150.03 establishes the scope and foundational rules for the city's rental property chapter, covering all buildings and dwelling units used or designed for occupancy. Existing buildings must generally comply with current standards, though they are not required to be upgraded beyond what was required at the time of construction unless a portion is altered, the building is moved, or it is deemed unsafe by the Building Housing Official. Utility services required under this chapter cannot be cut off to occupied units except for temporary interruptions during repairs or emergencies, and contractual arrangements between owners, operators, and occupants do not shift the legal duties imposed by this chapter away from owners or operators.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 150.03, property owners and operators in Emily are generally expected to maintain compliance with the chapter across all rental buildings and dwelling units, including accessory structures. Compliant operators ensure that required utility services remain active in occupied units, limiting interruptions only to genuine repair work or emergencies, and they do not rely on lease language or contracts with operators or tenants to discharge their own duties under the chapter. Additionally, § 150.03(E) requires that owners or operators notify occupants in writing—whether through the lease or another written communication—of the maximum number of occupants permitted in each unit as determined under Ch. 152 of the code.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 150.03 of Emily's rental code provides tenants with meaningful protections, including a prohibition on owners or operators cutting off required utility services to an occupied unit except for brief, necessary interruptions during repairs or genuine emergencies. Importantly, § 150.03(D) makes clear that a contract or lease clause cannot be used to shift an owner's or operator's legal responsibilities away from them, meaning tenants retain the protections this chapter affords regardless of what a lease may say. Tenants who believe a utility has been improperly shut off or that other provisions of § 150.03 are being violated may wish to contact the local Building Housing Official or a tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
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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