Orono, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 4.04, art. IV § 4.04.490
Penalties
Operative Text
A violation of this article is a misdemeanor under state law. In addition, the city may impose a civil penalty in the amount of $1,000.00 for renting, leasing, or occupying a rental residential building or rental dwelling unit or part thereof without a license. Failure to pay civil fines or penalties may result in future license ineligibility. Nothing in this article may be construed to limit the city's other available legal remedies for any violation of law. Each day that the property owner or license holder is in violation of this article constitutes a separate violation.
Orono Code of Ordinances ch. 4.04, art. IV § 4.04.490 establishes that violating the rental licensing article is a misdemeanor under state law and can also trigger a civil penalty of $1,000 for each instance of renting, leasing, or occupying a rental residential building or unit without a required license. Because each day of non-compliance counts as a separate violation, civil penalties can accumulate quickly over time. Unpaid civil fines or penalties may also make a property owner ineligible for future licenses, and the city retains the right to pursue any other legal remedies available to it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Orono Code of Ordinances ch. 4.04, art. IV § 4.04.490, compliant operators ensure that a valid rental license is in place before any unit is rented, leased, or occupied, since operating without one exposes a property owner to both misdemeanor criminal liability and a $1,000 civil penalty per day of violation. Operators generally maintain current license documentation and renew on time to avoid the compounding effect of daily violations. Unpaid civil penalties can also result in future license ineligibility, so property managers typically address any outstanding fines promptly.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Orono Code of Ordinances ch. 4.04, art. IV § 4.04.490 means that a landlord who rents or leases a unit without the required city license is in violation of local law and subject to misdemeanor charges and civil penalties. Tenants who believe their landlord may be operating without a license can contact the City of Orono directly to inquire about a property's license status or report a potential violation. Tenant-rights organizations can also help residents understand what options may be available when a rental unit is not properly licensed.
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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