Kasson, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 96 (2026) § 96.33
PROSPECTIVE TENANT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATIONS
Operative Text
(A) The City Council has determined that there are persons residing in rental property in the city engaging in disorderly conduct which results in a hostile environment for other city citizens living in or close to the rental property. It is the declared purpose and intent of this section to protect and preserve the city's neighborhoods and the public health, safety, welfare and morals of its citizens by providing a system at the local level for criminal history/background investigations of prospective tenants. (B) Any owner of rental property may request that the Police Department conduct a criminal history/background investigation of a prospective tenant. The request shall be on a form provided by the Police Department. The rental applicant shall pay an investigation fee as established by resolution of the City Council. (Prior Code, § 28-16) (Ord. 800, passed - -)
Kasson Ch. 96 § 96.33 establishes a voluntary, city-level system through which rental property owners may ask the Police Department to run a criminal history or background check on a prospective tenant. The cost of that investigation is paid by the rental applicant, with the fee amount set by City Council resolution. The provision's stated purpose is to protect neighborhood safety and public welfare by giving landlords access to a formal, local screening mechanism.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Kasson Ch. 96 § 96.33, a compliant rental property owner who wishes to use this screening tool submits a request on the official form provided by the Police Department — the process is not self-administered. Because participation is permissive rather than mandatory, operators who choose to use it should apply the option consistently and in accordance with applicable fair housing obligations to avoid discriminatory screening practices.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Kasson Ch. 96 § 96.33 places the cost of any Police Department background investigation squarely on the rental applicant, so prospective tenants should be aware that an application fee tied to this process may be charged. Tenants who believe a background check was used in a discriminatory or inconsistent manner may have recourse through fair housing complaint channels, including contacting a local tenant-rights organization or a fair housing agency for general information about their rights.
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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