Ramsey, Minn., Code of Ordinances ch. 26, art. XIV § 26-615
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: Apartment means a community, complex or building having a common owner and containing at least one rental dwelling unit. City means the City of Ramsey. City approved inspector's report or inspection report means a rental dwelling inspection report prepared and signed by the city's rental housing inspector or inspector contracted by the city to conduct an inspection and provide a report to the city. City administrator means the city administrator of the City of Ramsey, or designee. Dwelling means a building or one or more portions of a building occupied or intended to be occupied for residential purposes of a continued nature. Let for occupancy or to let or to rent means to permit possession or occupancy of a dwelling or rental dwelling unit by a person who is not the legal owner of record thereof, pursuant to the terms of a written or unwritten lease. Manager means any person who has charge, care or control of a dwelling that is required to be licensed under this chapter. Operate means to charge a rental charge, fee or other form of monetary or non-monetary compensation for the use of a rental dwelling unit. Occupant means any person occupying, living, or sleeping or having possession of a space within any dwelling. Owner or licensee means any person having a legal or equitable interest in a dwelling that is required to be licensed under this chapter as recorded in the official state, county or city records as holding title to the property or otherwise having control of the property. Person may be an individual, corporation, firm, association, company, partnership, organization or any other group acting as a unit. Rental dwelling means any dwelling used for residential occupancy by one or more persons who are not the owner or a member of the owner's immediate family. Rental dwelling license means a certificate issued by the city administrator or designee after the rental dwelling or rental dwelling unit has passed a rental dwelling inspection. Rental dwelling unit means any room or rooms, or space, in any rental dwelling designed or used for residential occupancy by one or more persons who are not the owner or the owner's qualifying relative. Qualifying relative is defined as: parent, stepparent, child, stepchild, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. This relationship may be either by blood or by marriage. Short term rental (STR) means a dwelling unit, offered to the public in exchange for money, goods or services, on a nightly or weekly basis for not more than 30 consecutive days. Tenant means any person occupying a dwelling unit or having possession of a space within a dwelling unit who pays, in any manner, for the right to occupy such space or who has a leasehold right to occupy the dwelling unit.
Section 26-615 of Ramsey Code of Ordinances ch. 26, art. XIV establishes the foundational vocabulary used throughout the City of Ramsey's rental housing licensing article. Key terms such as 'apartment,' 'rental dwelling unit,' 'owner,' 'tenant,' and 'short term rental' are given specific meanings that govern how the rest of the article is interpreted and applied. For example, a 'rental dwelling unit' explicitly excludes spaces occupied by the owner or certain close relatives, and a 'short term rental' is defined as occupancy offered for 30 consecutive days or fewer. These definitions shape which properties and arrangements fall under the article's licensing and inspection requirements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in Ramsey should familiarize themselves with the definitions set out in § 26-615, because these terms determine whether a given property or arrangement triggers the city's rental licensing obligations. For instance, the definition of 'operate' is broad enough to include non-monetary compensation, meaning that arrangements beyond traditional cash rent may still bring a unit within the article's scope. Compliant operators generally ensure that any dwelling let to persons outside the defined 'qualifying relative' category is properly licensed and inspected under the city's framework.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Tenants in Ramsey benefit from understanding the definitions in § 26-615, because these terms establish who qualifies as a 'tenant' and what constitutes a 'rental dwelling unit' under the city's licensing article. The definition of 'tenant' includes anyone paying in any manner for the right to occupy a space, which can be relevant when determining whether a particular living arrangement is covered by the article's protections. Tenants who have questions about whether their unit should be licensed or inspected under ch. 26, art. XIV may find it useful to consult the City of Ramsey's administration or a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance.
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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