Saint Paul, Minn., Legis. Code ch. 49 § 49.03
Emergency conditions; loss of heat, water or electricity
Operative Text
(a) In those cases where the gas, water or electric utility has given notice that it will terminate or has terminated service because of the property owner's nonpayment or in the event that heating facilities are not safely maintained and in good working condition, capable of safety and adequately heating all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms located therein to a temperature of at least sixty-eight (68) degrees Fahrenheit with an outside temperature of minus twenty (−20) degrees Fahrenheit during the time period from October 15 to April 15, the tenant shall make a reasonable attempt to notify the property owner, either orally or in writing, of the condition and his intention to pay the bill or cause the necessary repair to be made after forty-eight (48) hours or shorter period as is reasonable under the circumstances, if the property owner has not done so. If the condition is not remedied, the tenant may pay the outstanding bill or portion thereof or cause the necessary repairs to be made and, upon submitting to the property owner receipts, deduct the cost from the rent. (b) If a utility company receives payment under this chapter equivalent to the current bill, it shall not terminate service for the following billing period, or if service has already been terminated, it shall reconnect service for at least one billing period. (c) If the tenant has made payment under this chapter in a previous contiguous billing period, the utility company may require the tenant to make additional payments in the following consecutive billing periods in an amount equal to one-third of the past due bill plus the current bill; provided, that the tenant shall not be required to pay a total amount in any month greater than twice the average bill. (d) The amount deducted from rents shall not exceed the total sum of three (3) months' rent in any twelve-month period. (e) "Current bill" means the bill for utility consumption during the previous billing period. "Average bill" means the bill for a year's consumption divided by the number of billing periods in a year. (f) The utility company shall not require the tenant to place the account in his own name as a condition to continuing the utility service under this chapter. The utility company shall advise any requesting tenant or his representative of the amount owing on the utility account for rental property as to which the utility company has given notice of intent to terminate. (g) The utility company shall not be obliged to repeat the posting requirements of section 46.01 of the Legislative Code if the tenants fail to continue to make payments under this chapter. (h) The utility company shall not be obliged to accept payment under this chapter on any single account more than three (3) times in any twelve-month period. (i) All repairs or corrections must be made in compliance with applicable codes, and performed by persons properly licensed to perform such work, where such license is mandated.
Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 49 § 49.03 establishes a process for handling emergency utility failures caused by a property owner's nonpayment or failure to maintain heating systems capable of reaching at least 68°F during the October 15–April 15 heating season. When such a condition arises, a tenant may—after giving the owner at least 48 hours' notice—pay the outstanding utility bill or arrange necessary repairs, then deduct that cost from rent. The total amount deducted cannot exceed three months' rent in any twelve-month period, and utility companies are limited to accepting tenant payments under this provision no more than three times per year on a single account. Utility companies are also prohibited from requiring tenants to place accounts in their own names as a condition of continued service.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Saint Paul Legislative Code ch. 49 § 49.03 are generally expected to keep gas, water, and electric accounts current and to maintain heating systems in safe, working condition throughout the October 15–April 15 heating season. A compliant operator responds promptly when a tenant provides the required 48-hour notice of an emergency utility condition, resolving the issue before the tenant exercises the right to pay the bill or arrange repairs directly. Operators should be aware that tenant deductions made under § 49.03 are capped at three months' rent over any twelve-month period, and that all repairs must be performed by properly licensed contractors in compliance with applicable codes.
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. 49 § 49.03, tenants have a defined right to step in and address emergency utility shutoffs or heating failures caused by a property owner's inaction, provided they first make a reasonable attempt to notify the owner—orally or in writing—and allow at least 48 hours (or a shorter reasonable period) for the owner to act. If the owner does not remedy the condition, a tenant may pay the outstanding utility bill or arrange necessary repairs and then deduct those costs from rent by submitting receipts, subject to a cap of three months' rent in any twelve-month period. Tenants who believe their rights under § 49.03 are being violated may wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization or consult with a housing attorney to understand the full range of options available to them.
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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