Sandstone, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 155 (2026) § 118.99
PENALTY
Operative Text
(A) (1) Any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision of this chapter for which another penalty is not specifically provided, shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor. The penalty which may be imposed for any crime which is a misdemeanor under this chapter, including Minnesota Statutes specifically adopted by reference, shall be a sentence of not more than 90 days, or a fine of not more than $1,000, or both. (2) Any person, firm or corporation who violates any provision of this code, including Minnesota Statutes specifically adopted by reference, which is designated to be a petty misdemeanor shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a petty misdemeanor. The penalty which may be imposed for any petty offense which is a petty misdemeanor shall be a sentence of a fine of not more than $300. (3) Pursuant to M.S. § 631.48, as it may be amended from time to time, in either the case of a misdemeanor or a petty misdemeanor, the costs of prosecution may be added. A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day during which a violation occurs or continues. (4) The failure of any officer or employee of the city to perform any official duty imposed by this code shall not subject the officer or employee to the penalty imposed for a violation. (5) In addition to any penalties provided for in this section, if any person, firm or corporation fails to comply with any provision of this code, the City Council or any city official designated by it may institute appropriate proceedings at law or at equity to restrain, correct or abate the violation. (B) If an owner of residential rental property does not comply with the provisions of this chapter, specifically including, but not limited to, renting unit(s) without obtaining a license, the owner shall have committed a misdemeanor with the applicable penalties as set by then-existing state law. Each day that a premises is actually rented to a tenant in violation of this chapter shall constitute a separate and additional misdemeanor offense. (Prior Code, § 440.31) (Ord. 2015-07, passed 9-2-2015)
Sandstone Ch. 155 Rental Dwellings § 118.99 establishes the consequences for violating the city's rental dwelling regulations. General violations can result in misdemeanor charges carrying up to 90 days in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both, while lesser infractions designated as petty misdemeanors carry fines of up to $300. Critically, each day a violation continues — such as renting a unit without a required license — counts as a separate offense, meaning penalties can accumulate over time. The city may also pursue legal or equitable remedies in court to stop or correct ongoing violations.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Operators of residential rental properties in Sandstone should be aware that § 118.99 treats non-compliance — including renting units without a valid license — as a misdemeanor offense under state law. Because each day of an ongoing violation constitutes a separate offense, unlicensed rentals can quickly compound into multiple misdemeanor charges. Compliant operators generally ensure all required licenses are obtained before any unit is occupied and maintain those licenses in good standing throughout the tenancy.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Sandstone Ch. 155 § 118.99 provides that an owner who rents a unit without the required license has committed a misdemeanor, with each day of the violation treated as a separate offense. Tenants who believe their landlord may be operating without a proper rental license can contact the City of Sandstone directly to inquire about licensing status or report a potential violation. Tenant-rights organizations familiar with Minnesota housing law can help explain what options may be available when a landlord is found to be out of compliance with this chapter.
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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