Osseo, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 46 (2026) § 151.23
DEFINITIONS
Operative Text
For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definitions apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning. CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE. Document issued by the city, stating that the building has been inspected and is in compliance with applicable property maintenance codes and ordinances. CITY. The City of Osseo or any authorized agent, officer, or employee of the City of Osseo. CITY ADMINISTRATOR. The City Administrator or the City Administrator's designated agent. DWELLING. A building or one or more portions thereof occupied or intended to be occupied for residence purposes; but not including rooms in motels, hotels, nursing homes, boarding houses, trailers, tents, cabins or trailer coaches. GENERAL HOUSING UNIT. A dwelling other than an apartment, including but not limited to a townhouse, condominium, double bungalow, residential zero lot line (split double), single family or tri-plex. LARGE APARTMENT. A community, complex, or building having a common owner and containing ten or more living units. LET FOR OCCUPANCY or TO LET. To permit possession or occupancy of a dwelling or living unit by a person who is not the legal owner of record thereof, pursuant to a written or unwritten lease, or pursuant to a recorded or unrecorded agreement whether or not a fee is required by the agreement. LIVING UNIT. A single unit providing complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. OCCUPANT. Any person living or sleeping in a dwelling or living unit; or having possession of a space within a dwelling or living unit. OPERATE. To let for occupancy or to let. OPERATOR/MANAGER. Any person who has charge, care or control of a structure or premises which is let or offered for occupancy. OWNER/LICENSEE. Any person, agent, operator, firm or corporation having a legal or equitable interest in the property; or recorded in the official records of the state, county or city as holding title to the property; or otherwise having control of the property, including the guardian of the estate of any such person, and the executor or administrator of the estate of such person if ordered to take possession of real property by a court, or any person representing the actual owner. PERSON. An individual, corporation, firm, association, company, partnership, organization or any other group acting as a unit. RENT. To let for occupancy or to let. RENTAL DWELLING. Any apartment or general housing living unit or other living unit let for occupancy. SMALL APARTMENT. A community, complex, or building having a common owner containing two to nine living units. STRUCTURE. Anything constructed or erected on, or connected to the ground. (Ord. 2009-3, passed 8-24-2009)
Section 151.23 of Osseo Ch. 46 establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the Rental Dwellings subchapter. Terms such as "dwelling," "living unit," "operator/manager," and "owner/licensee" are given specific meanings that govern how the rest of the subchapter's rules are interpreted and applied. Notably, the definitions distinguish between small apartments (2–9 units under common ownership) and large apartments (10 or more units), and they clarify that hotels, motels, nursing homes, and similar accommodations fall outside the scope of a "dwelling" as used in this subchapter.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating rental housing in Osseo should familiarize themselves with the defined terms in § 151.23, because those definitions shape the obligations that apply throughout the Rental Dwellings subchapter. The distinction between a "small apartment" and a "large apartment," for example, may affect which specific requirements apply to a given property. Compliant operators generally ensure that anyone exercising charge, care, or control over a rental property understands that they may qualify as an "operator/manager" under this section, regardless of formal title.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Osseo benefit from understanding the definitions set out in § 151.23, because these terms determine the scope of protections and requirements that apply to their rental housing. For instance, the broad definition of "owner/licensee" means that various parties—not just the person whose name appears on a deed—may bear responsibility for the condition of a rental dwelling. Tenants who have questions about how these definitions affect their specific housing situation may find it helpful to consult a local tenant-rights organization or review the full Osseo Ch. 46 subchapter.
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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