Owatonna, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 115 (2026) § 115.12
CERTIFICATE RENEWAL AND NON-TRANSFERABILITY
Operative Text
(A) All registration certificates shall expire two years after date of issuance and must be renewed upon the expiration of the two-year term. All information required by § 115.04 (C) of this chapter must be submitted at the time of renewal. Whenever the applicant certifies that no change has been made in a registered dwelling unit, and the registered unit has been inspected within the preceding 12 months, a renewal registration certificate may be issued without reinspection by the Fire Chief; provided, the owner certifies that the units are in compliance with this code, including any applicable provisions of the zoning, building, fire safety or health ordinances. (B) Every person who transfers title to property registered under this section shall provide the Fire Chief with the name, residence address and telephone number of the new owner, and date of the transfer of title within ten days of the date of such transfer. Within 30 days of the date of such transfer, the new owner shall apply for a new registration certificate. In the case of a contract for deed the purchaser shall be deemed to be the owner of the property for purposes of this section and shall be required to apply for a rental registration certificate in his or her name. The date on the contract for deed shall be deemed to be the date the purchaser becomes the “owner” for purposes of this section. (C) Registration certificates may not be transferred or assigned. (1992 Code, § 457:70) (Ord. 1316, passed 5-20-2003)
Under Owatonna Ch. 115 § 115.12, rental registration certificates are valid for two years and must be renewed before they expire, with all required information resubmitted at that time. A renewal may be issued without a new inspection if the owner certifies no changes have been made and the unit was inspected within the past 12 months. When a registered property changes hands, the previous owner must notify the Fire Chief within ten days, and the new owner must apply for a fresh certificate within 30 days — certificates cannot be transferred or assigned between parties.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of registered rental units in Owatonna should track the two-year expiration date on each certificate issued under § 115.12 and submit renewal paperwork — including all information required by § 115.04(C) — before that deadline. If no changes have been made to the unit and it was inspected within the prior 12 months, a compliant operator can certify that fact to potentially avoid a reinspection, while also certifying ongoing compliance with zoning, building, fire safety, and health ordinances. When selling or transferring a registered property, a compliant owner notifies the Fire Chief of the new owner's contact information and transfer date within ten days, and ensures the incoming owner understands their obligation to apply for a new certificate within 30 days under § 115.12(B).
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under § 115.12, the rental unit you occupy should be covered by a current, valid registration certificate held in the name of the actual property owner — certificates cannot be transferred or assigned, and a new owner must obtain their own certificate within 30 days of acquiring the property. If you believe your unit's registration has lapsed or that a change in ownership was not properly reported to the Fire Chief, that may be relevant information when raising a concern with local housing or fire officials in Owatonna. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Owatonna's Ch. 115 framework can help you understand what options are generally available when registration requirements appear not to have been followed.
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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