Victoria, Minn., Mun. Code art. 103-V (2026) § 103-128
Exterior Building Requirements
Operative Text
Generally. Any building or portion thereof that is determined to be an unsafe building in accordance with this article, or any building or portion thereof, including any dwelling unit, guest room or suite of rooms, or the premises on which the same is located, in which there exists any of the conditions referenced in this section to an extent that endangers the life, limb, health, property, safety or welfare of the public or the occupants thereof, shall be deemed and hereby are declared to be substandard buildings. The exterior of a structure shall be maintained in good repair, structurally sound and sanitary so as not to pose a threat to public health, safety or welfare. Sanitation. All exterior property and premises shall be maintained and kept in a clean, safe and sanitary condition. The occupant shall keep that part of the exterior property which such occupant occupies or controls in a clean and sanitary condition. Rodent harborage. All structures and exterior property shall be kept free from rodent harborage and infestation. Where rodents are found, they shall be promptly exterminated by approved processes which will not be injurious to human health. After extermination, proper precautions shall be taken to eliminate rodent harborage and prevent reinfestation. Accessory structures. All accessory structures, including detached garages, fences and walls, shall be maintained structurally sound and in good repair. Faulty weather protection. Buildings or portions thereof shall be considered substandard when they have faulty weather protection, which shall include, but not be limited to, the following: Deteriorated, crumbling or loose plaster. Deteriorated or ineffective waterproofing of exterior walls, roof, foundations or floors, including broken windows or doors. Defective or lack of weather protection for exterior wall coverings, including lack of paint, or weathering due to lack of paint or other approved protective covering. Broken, rotted, split or buckled exterior wall coverings or roof coverings. Fire hazard. Any building, or portion thereof, device, apparatus, equipment, combustible waste, or vegetation that, in the opinion of the chief of the fire department, is in such a condition as to cause a fire or explosion or provide a ready fuel to augment the spread and intensity of fire or explosion arising from any cause shall be considered substandard. Faulty materials of construction. The use of materials of construction, except those that are specifically allowed or approved by this article and the building code and that have been adequately maintained in good and safe condition, shall cause a building to be substandard. (Code 1998, § 8-129; Ord. No. 349, 4-12-2007)
Victoria's Rental Housing Code § 103-128 establishes that any building — or portion of one — whose exterior conditions endanger health, safety, or welfare may be officially declared a "substandard building." The provision covers a broad range of exterior deficiencies, including poor sanitation, rodent infestation, faulty weatherproofing (such as deteriorated plaster, broken windows, or peeling paint), structurally unsound accessory structures like fences and detached garages, fire hazards, and the use of unapproved or poorly maintained construction materials. When any of these conditions exist to a degree that threatens occupants or the public, the building is subject to formal substandard designation under this section.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 103-128, compliant property operators routinely inspect and maintain all exterior surfaces — walls, roofs, foundations, and windows — to ensure they remain structurally sound, weatherproofed, and free of deterioration such as crumbling plaster or broken coverings. Operators also keep exterior grounds clean and sanitary, promptly address any rodent infestation using approved extermination methods, and take follow-up steps to prevent reinfestation. Accessory structures like detached garages, fences, and walls are kept in good repair, and only code-approved construction materials in safe condition are used, so as to avoid a substandard building designation under this article.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 103-128 gives occupants a basis to raise concerns when exterior conditions — such as rodent infestation, broken windows, deteriorated weatherproofing, or fire hazards — endanger health or safety, since such conditions can trigger a formal substandard building declaration. Tenants are also assigned a responsibility under this provision to keep the portion of exterior property they occupy or control in a clean and sanitary condition. Those who believe their building has exterior deficiencies covered by § 103-128 may consider documenting the conditions, notifying the landlord in writing, contacting the local code enforcement or housing authority in Victoria, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on 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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