North Mankato, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 155 (2026) § 151.21
WATER METERS
Operative Text
(A) All properties required to obtain a residential rental license must obtain and install automatic read meters. If the property does not comply with these provisions, the rental license shall not be issued, and if a rental license has been issued, it shall not be renewed. The property shall not qualify for a new or renewed rental license until it complies with the provisions of this section. Should the rental license lapse and not be renewed due to non-compliance with this section, a new rental license application will be considered an initial application for the property. (B) City staff may install automatic read meters if under one and one-half inches in size and all plumbing is in good working condition. The consumer is responsible for paying for the meter, permit, and time of the city staff. An authorized contractor must install all other automatic read meters, and the consumer shall pay for such permit and the cost of a new meter. The city does not guarantee that city staff can install a meter, and requests may be denied due to plumbing conditions, staff availability, and other circumstances per the authorization of the Water Superintendent. (C) After the purchase of an automatic read meter, the property owner becomes the meter owner and shall be held responsible for the care and maintenance of that meter. (Ord. 154, passed --) Cross-reference: Water meters, see § 52.07
North Mankato Ch. 155 § 151.21 requires that all residential rental properties subject to licensing must have automatic read water meters installed as a condition of obtaining or renewing a rental license. A property that lacks a compliant meter cannot receive a new or renewed license, and if a license lapses due to this non-compliance, any future application is treated as a brand-new initial application. Once an automatic read meter is purchased, ownership and responsibility for its upkeep transfer permanently to the property owner.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under North Mankato Ch. 155 § 151.21, compliant rental property operators ensure that automatic read meters are installed before seeking a new or renewed residential rental license. Operators typically arrange either for city staff installation (for meters under one and a half inches where plumbing is in good condition) or hire an authorized contractor for other installations, covering all associated permit and meter costs themselves. After installation, operators maintain the meter as their own property, since ownership and maintenance responsibility transfer to them upon purchase.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
North Mankato Ch. 155 § 151.21 ties the validity of a residential rental license directly to the landlord's compliance with automatic read meter requirements, meaning a property operating without a proper license may be subject to enforcement action. Tenants who suspect their rental unit lacks a valid license due to meter non-compliance can contact the City of North Mankato to inquire about the property's licensing status. Tenant-rights organizations can help renters understand what options may be available, such as raising licensing violations through appropriate local channels or city complaint processes.
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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