Excelsior, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-163
Tenant requests for services
Operative Text
(a) The building official or designee shall be responsible for receiving and responding to all tenant requests for city inspection or enforcement services. (b) Upon request by a tenant, or as otherwise provided for under state law, the building official or designee shall cause to be inspected the rental dwelling or rental dwelling unit in which the tenant resides, as well as any common areas and its premises, to determine if any provisions of this article or other applicable law are being violated. If the tenant's grounds for requesting an inspection present an immediate and severe threat to the health, safety, or welfare of the tenant or any other person, as determined by the building official or designee in his sole discretion, the inspection may be made as soon as practicable without a written request for service. In all other cases, tenant requests for service shall be made to the building official or designee, in writing, on a form to be provided by the city. (c) Upon receipt of a written tenant request for services, or an oral request for services as provided in subsection (b) of this section, the building official or designee shall cause an inspection to be made of the rental dwelling or rental dwelling unit and its premises within a reasonable time. If one or more violations of this article or other applicable law are found to exist, the building official or designee shall prepare and send appropriate compliance orders to the owner or operator of the rental dwelling or rental dwelling unit, and shall send a copy of same to the tenant who requested inspection or enforcement services and to any other tenant who requests a copy of the compliance orders.
Under Excelsior Code of Ordinances ch. 8, art. IV § 8-163, tenants have the right to request that the city inspect their rental unit, common areas, and surrounding premises for code violations. Requests are generally submitted in writing on a city-provided form, though an oral request is accepted when the building official determines there is an immediate and severe threat to health, safety, or welfare. If violations are found, the building official issues compliance orders to the property owner or operator and provides copies to the requesting tenant and any other tenant who asks for one.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 8-163, a compliant property owner or operator can expect to receive compliance orders from the building official if an inspection — triggered by a tenant request or state law — uncovers violations of the article or other applicable law. Operators generally maintain rental units, common areas, and premises in a condition that meets code standards so that inspections result in no findings. When compliance orders are issued, responsive operators address the identified violations promptly and keep records of corrective actions taken.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 8-163 of the Excelsior Code of Ordinances gives tenants the right to request a city inspection of their unit, common areas, and premises by contacting the building official or designee — typically in writing on a city-provided form, or orally if the situation presents an immediate and severe health or safety threat. If violations are found, tenants are entitled to receive a copy of any compliance orders issued to the landlord, and other tenants may also request copies. Tenants who want to understand how to exercise these rights or what to do if a request goes unanswered may find guidance through local tenant-rights organizations or the city's building department.
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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