Saint Paul, Minn., Legis. Code ch. 183 § 183.21
Enforcement and effect of subpoena
Operative Text
Disobedience of a subpoena shall be punishable in like manner as a contempt of the district court in proceedings instituted upon application of the director made to the district court of the county where the alleged unfair discriminatory practice in connection with a charge made by a complainant or a complaint filed by the director has occurred or where the respondent resides or has a principal place of business.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.21 establishes that failing to comply with a subpoena issued in connection with a housing discrimination investigation carries the same legal consequences as contempt of a district court. The director of the relevant agency may apply to the district court in the county where the alleged discriminatory practice occurred, or where the respondent lives or does business, to enforce the subpoena. This provision gives the subpoena enforcement process the weight of judicial authority.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 183 § 183.21, property owners and managers who receive a subpoena in connection with a discrimination complaint are expected to comply fully and in a timely manner. Operators who ignore or defy such a subpoena risk being treated as if they were in contempt of a district court, a serious legal consequence. Compliant operators typically consult legal counsel promptly upon receiving any subpoena related to a fair housing proceeding.
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 § 183.21 supports tenants who file discrimination complaints by ensuring that subpoenas issued during the investigation process carry real legal force. If a respondent—such as a landlord—refuses to comply with a subpoena, the director can seek court enforcement, which may help move an investigation forward. Tenants who believe they have experienced housing discrimination may wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization or the relevant city agency to understand how the investigative and subpoena process works in their situation.
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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