Saint Paul, Minn., Legis. Code ch. 183 § 183.16
Violation; penalty
Operative Text
Violation of any provision of sections 183.03 through 183.12 hereof is a misdemeanor, and every person who knowingly participates in any prohibited act, or intentionally fails to comply with regulations issued by the human rights and equal economic opportunity commission pursuant to any section of this chapter, whether as an officer, agent, manager, employee, or otherwise, is liable as a principal, and it shall be no defense that the person charged was acting in accordance with the instructions of that person's employer.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.16 establishes that any violation of the fair housing and equal opportunity provisions found in sections 183.03 through 183.12 constitutes a misdemeanor under local law. Anyone who knowingly takes part in a prohibited act—or who intentionally fails to follow regulations issued by the Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission—can be held personally liable as a principal, regardless of their role or title. Notably, following an employer's instructions is explicitly not a valid defense against such a charge.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.16, property owners and managers should be aware that individual employees, agents, and officers can each face misdemeanor liability for violations of sections 183.03 through 183.12—not just the organization itself. Compliant operators generally ensure that all staff involved in leasing, management, or tenant relations are trained on the requirements of chapter 183 and the regulations issued by the Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission. Because following a supervisor's or employer's instructions is not a recognized defense under § 183.16, operators typically establish clear internal policies that align with the law rather than relying on individual judgment calls.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.16 gives tenants the assurance that violations of the fair housing provisions in sections 183.03 through 183.12 carry real criminal consequences—misdemeanor liability—for any individual who knowingly participates, from frontline employees up to officers and managers. Tenants who believe a prohibited act has occurred may consider filing a complaint with the Saint Paul Human Rights and Equal Economic Opportunity Commission, which is the body empowered to issue and enforce regulations under this chapter. Tenant-rights organizations in the Saint Paul area can also help individuals understand what documentation or steps are generally associated with pursuing a complaint under ch. 183.
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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