Saint Paul, Minn., Legis. Code ch. 34 § 34.29
Termination of tenancy
Operative Text
No tenancy of a residential structure or dwelling unit covered by this Code may be terminated because of the commencement of an action pursuant to this chapter or because of the report to the proper code enforcement authorities of a condition believed to be in violation of this Code.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.29 establishes an anti-retaliation protection in the context of housing code enforcement. Under this provision, a landlord cannot end a tenancy simply because a tenant filed a code-enforcement complaint or because a legal action under Chapter 34 was initiated. The rule applies to all residential structures and dwelling units covered by the Saint Paul housing code.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 34 § 34.29, property owners and managers are prohibited from terminating a tenancy in response to a tenant's report to code enforcement authorities or the commencement of a Chapter 34 legal action. Compliant operators document the legitimate, non-retaliatory basis for any tenancy termination and ensure that timing and circumstances do not suggest a connection to a tenant's protected activity. Maintaining clear records of lease violations, nonpayment, or other lawful grounds for termination helps demonstrate that any action taken is independent of a tenant's code-enforcement activity.
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. 34 § 34.29 gives tenants the right to report housing code violations or participate in Chapter 34 enforcement actions without facing eviction as a consequence. If a landlord moves to terminate a tenancy shortly after a code complaint is filed, a tenant may be able to raise the anti-retaliation protection as a defense in eviction proceedings. Tenants who believe their tenancy is being terminated in violation of § 34.29 can contact Saint Paul's code enforcement office or a local tenant-rights organization to learn about available options.
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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