Orono, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 4.04, art. IV § 4.04.420
Definitions
Operative Text
The following words, terms and phrases, when used in this article, shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning: Applicant means a person, as that term is defined in this section, who completes or signs an application for a license to rent real estate individually or on behalf of a business. Dwelling means a single-family residence or habitation providing living facilities for one or more persons. Lease means a written agreement creating a tenancy in real property. License holder means the owner of property licensed to rent to residents. Manager means an individual who is hired or is applying to be hired by a licensee and who has or would have the means, within the scope of the individual's duties, to enter tenants' dwelling units. Occupant means any person living, sleeping, cooking, and eating in a rental dwelling unit. Owner means any person who, alone, jointly, or severally with others, shall be in actual possession of, or have charge, care or control of, any rental dwelling unit within the city as titleholder, employee or agent of titleholder, operator, or trustee or guardian of the estate or person of the titleholder. Any such person representing the actual titleholder shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this article to the same extent as the titleholder. Person means one or more natural persons; a partnership, including a limited partnership; a corporation, including a foreign, domestic, or nonprofit corporation; a trust; a political subdivision of the state; or any other business organization. Qualifying relative means a parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. This relationship may be either by blood or marriage. Rent means leasing, subleasing, letting, or hiring for occupancy. Rental means a residential living unit that is occupied by people other than the owner and/or qualifying relatives. Rental charge means any compensation, either monetary or "in lieu of" payments, such as, but not limited to, utilities, upkeep, or repair. Rental dwelling unit means a dwelling or portion thereof for rent. Residential building means a structure designed and used for residential rather than commercial or industrial purposes. Tenant means any adult person granted temporary use of a rental dwelling unit in exchange for rent payable to the owner of the rental unit. Unit means a dwelling.
Section 4.04.420 of Orono's Code of Ordinances establishes the shared vocabulary that governs the entire rental licensing article. Terms such as "owner," "tenant," "rental," and "qualifying relative" carry specific legal meanings within this framework—for example, a unit occupied solely by the owner or qualifying relatives (defined as close family by blood or marriage) is not classified as a "rental" under the article. These definitions determine which properties and parties fall within the scope of Orono's rental licensing requirements, and how obligations are assigned among titleholders, agents, and managers.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 4.04.420, the definition of "owner" is broad enough to encompass not just titleholders but also employees, agents, trustees, and guardians acting on a titleholder's behalf—all of whom are equally bound by the article's requirements. Operators who rent through a management company or representative should be aware that the representative's compliance obligations mirror their own under this section. Compliant operators also take note of the "rental" definition: units occupied exclusively by the owner or qualifying relatives as defined in § 4.04.420 fall outside the article's licensing scope, while any other occupancy arrangement generally does not.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 4.04.420 sets out who qualifies as a "tenant" and what counts as a "rental dwelling unit" under Orono's rental licensing framework, which can affect the protections and obligations that apply to a tenancy. The definition of "occupant" is notably broader than "tenant" and may be relevant when questions arise about who is recognized under the article. Tenants who have questions about how these definitions apply to their living situation can consult Orono's municipal offices or a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on the article's scope.
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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