Saint Paul, Minn., Legis. Code ch. 34 § 34.14
Light and ventilation on residential properties
Operative Text
The owner of any premises regulated by this section, as specified in section 34.03, shall comply with the following requirements: (1) Light and ventilation in habitable rooms. a. Light shall be provided to every habitable room by means of glazing as specified in (b) or artificial light in accordance with the building code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit. b. Minimum total window area measured between stops for every habitable room shall be a minimum of four (4) percent of the floor area of such room, except where an approved mechanical ventilation system has been provided according to the state building code. c. Any appliance, mechanical equipment and/or mechanical system shall be maintained. (2) Electric service. a. All residential structures and dwelling units shall be supplied with electrical service that is adequate to safely meet the electrical needs of the residential structures and dwelling units in accordance with the building code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit. Any illegal wiring or electrical devices shall be removed, repaired or replaced. All electrical components shall be maintained in an approved manner and free of defects. b. Any new or replacement duplex convenience outlet, switch, fixture or wiring must be installed under an approved permit and in accordance with the code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit. Every public hall, water closet compartment, bathroom, laundry room or furnace room shall contain at least one (1) electric light fixture. c. Every common hall and inside stairway in every residential structure or dwelling unit shall be illuminated as required by the building code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit. d. Exterior exits and entryways are required to be illuminated as required by the building code in accordance with the building code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit. (3) Ventilation and light in bathroom and toilet room. Windows and mechanical ventilation systems shall be maintained and operable per manufacturer's recommendations. Bathrooms shall be vented as required by the building code in accordance with the building code in effect at the time of construction or as altered/modified under an approved building permit.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.14 establishes minimum standards for light and ventilation in residential properties. Habitable rooms must receive adequate natural light through windows covering at least 4 percent of the floor area, or through approved artificial lighting, while bathrooms and common areas must be properly ventilated and illuminated. Electrical systems throughout the building—including outlets, fixtures, wiring, hallways, stairways, and exterior entryways—must be safe, code-compliant, and free of defects, with any new or replacement electrical work completed under an approved permit.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.14 generally ensure that every habitable room meets the minimum window-area threshold or has approved artificial lighting, and that all mechanical ventilation systems are kept in working order per manufacturer's recommendations. Compliant operators also maintain electrical service adequate for the building's needs, promptly remove or repair any illegal wiring, and ensure that common halls, stairways, bathrooms, and exterior entryways are properly illuminated. Any new or replacement electrical components—such as outlets, switches, or fixtures—are typically installed only under an approved permit and in accordance with the applicable building code.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.14, tenants have a right to habitable rooms with adequate light and ventilation, functioning bathroom ventilation, and safe, code-compliant electrical service throughout their dwelling and common areas. If a landlord fails to meet these standards—for example, by leaving defective wiring unaddressed or allowing common-area lighting to go out—tenants may have grounds to report the condition to Saint Paul's code enforcement or housing inspection authorities. Tenant-rights organizations in Saint Paul can help residents understand available options, such as filing a complaint or raising a housing code violation in relevant proceedings.
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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