Mendota Heights, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 1301 (2026) § 3-5-2
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
For the purpose of this chapter, the following terms shall be defined as set forth below: DWELLING: A building or one or more portions thereof occupied or intended to be occupied for residential purposes; but not including rooms in motels, hotels, nursing homes, boarding houses, tents and recreational vehicles, or attached multiple- family dwellings. DWELLING UNIT: A residential accommodation located within a dwelling that includes permanently installed cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities, designed or intended for use as living quarters for a single family. Dwelling units subject to this chapter are defined as being detached dwelling units in the R-1 one-family zoning district. OCCUPANT: A person who lives or sleeps in a dwelling unit. OWNER: A person who is the recorded or unrecorded owner of the dwelling unit. RENT: To permit occupancy of a dwelling unit by a person other than the legal owner thereof, pursuant to a written or unwritten agreement, whether or not a fee is required by the agreement. RENTAL DWELLING: A dwelling unit that has been rented. TENANT: A person who occupies a rental dwelling. (Ord. 407, 4-4-2006)
Section 3-5-2 of Mendota Heights Ch. 1301 establishes the foundational definitions that govern the Multi-Family Residential Maintenance Code's application. The provision specifies which types of housing qualify as 'dwellings' and 'dwelling units,' notably limiting coverage to detached units in the R-1 one-family zoning district and excluding hotels, motels, nursing homes, boarding houses, tents, and recreational vehicles. It also defines the key parties — owners, occupants, and tenants — and clarifies that 'renting' includes arrangements regardless of whether money changes hands.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners in Mendota Heights should be aware that Ch. 1301 § 3-5-2 determines whether their property falls within the scope of this maintenance code at all. Because coverage is limited to detached dwelling units in the R-1 one-family zoning district, operators of other property types — such as attached multi-family buildings or short-term lodging facilities — would generally fall outside this chapter's reach. Owners who do meet the definition of 'rental dwelling' under § 3-5-2 are subject to the full obligations the chapter imposes, regardless of whether a formal written lease or monetary rent is involved.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants living in detached single-family rental homes in Mendota Heights' R-1 zoning district should know that Ch. 1301 § 3-5-2 defines them as 'tenants' and their home as a 'rental dwelling,' bringing their housing within the protections of this maintenance code. Notably, the definition of 'rent' under § 3-5-2 does not require a fee to be paid, meaning occupants under informal or no-cost arrangements may still qualify for coverage. Those uncertain about whether their dwelling qualifies under these definitions may find it helpful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or review the full chapter for context.
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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