Shorewood, Minn., Mun. Code Ch. 1095 (2026) § 1004.05
INSPECTIONS
Operative Text
Subd. 1. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to establish standards for a program of inspections meant to improve and maintain the overall rental housing in the city. Housing inspections do not indicate compliance with any inspectional program other than that of the city. Inspections are made as a public service and do not constitute any representation, guarantee or warranty to any person as to the conditions of the building inspected. The city does not assume any responsibility or liability in connection with the inspection and issuance of the license required by § 1004.03 of this chapter. Subd. 2. Initial compliance inspection. Prior to issuance of a license to operate a rental dwelling unit, the Compliance Official and the Fire Inspector (as may be applicable) shall inspect the premises for compliance with this chapter. A record of the inspection shall be kept on file at the City Hall. The compliance inspection must occur within 30 days of the application (either for a new license or renewal) or the application shall be considered void. Subd. 3. Reinspection required. All rental dwelling units shall be reinspected for compliance with this chapter a minimum of once every three years with license renewal. Subd. 4. Complaints inspections. Inspections shall be made at any time upon receipt of a complaint wherein the complainant leaves their name, address and telephone number. Inspections will not be made based upon anonymous complaints. Subd. 5. Permission of the tenant shall be requested before a rental unit is entered. If the tenant refuses to permit the inspector to enter, the inspector is authorized to obtain an administrative search warrant before making the inspection. (1987 Code, § 1004.05) (Ord. 272, passed 4-12-1993; Am. Ord. 546, - -2017)
Shorewood Ch. 1095 § 1004.05 establishes a city inspection program for rental dwelling units aimed at maintaining and improving rental housing quality. Before a rental license is issued, a Compliance Official and Fire Inspector must inspect the property, and that inspection must happen within 30 days of the application or the application becomes void. Ongoing reinspections are required at least once every three years, complaint-driven inspections can be triggered by identified (non-anonymous) complainants, and tenant permission must be sought before entry — though inspectors may obtain an administrative search warrant if entry is refused. Importantly, a passed inspection does not constitute a warranty or guarantee about the property's condition, and the city does not assume liability for the inspection process.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Shorewood Ch. 1095 § 1004.05, compliant rental property operators ensure their units are ready for inspection before a new or renewed license is issued, keeping in mind the strict 30-day window from application to inspection. Operators generally maintain their properties to meet city standards on an ongoing basis, since reinspection occurs at minimum every three years at license renewal. When a complaint-based inspection is scheduled, operators typically cooperate with the Compliance Official and Fire Inspector, and they are aware that tenant permission must be sought before entry — with the city authorized to pursue an administrative search warrant if access is denied.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Shorewood Ch. 1095 § 1004.05 gives tenants a meaningful role in the city's rental inspection program: if a tenant has a concern about housing conditions, they can file a complaint with the city (providing their name, address, and phone number) to trigger an inspection, since anonymous complaints are not acted upon. Tenants also have the right to be asked for permission before an inspector enters their unit, though the city may seek an administrative search warrant if entry is refused. Tenants who believe their unit has not been properly inspected or that conditions remain unaddressed after a complaint may consider reaching out to the city's Compliance Official or a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on next steps under this provision.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
No inbound references recorded yet for this provision.