Rental Housing Q & A

Below are some frequently asked questions the Rental Housing Inspector would like to share.

Why should my property be inspected?

There are many good reasons! For your tenants, it ensures a suitable, functioning property that they can call home. For your neighbors, it will help keep the property up to neighborhood standards. For you, it is a documented history of the property that can safeguard you from tenants who cause damage. A regular inspection may save money by discovering malfunctioning heating and cooling systems or provide a break on your insurance rates.

When will the inspector come by?

The inspector will schedule a time with you during weekday hours. Limited early evening hours may be possible. The notice to schedule will be sent to you a month in advance. If you fail to make an appointment, one will be made for you. Once scheduled, you will need to provide notice to your tenants. Failure to show up for your inspection or notify your tenants can result in a reinspection charge. Generally speaking, the inspector will work in apartment buildings over the winter months and in townhomes and single-family homes in the spring, summer, and fall. Apartment buildings will continue to be inspected by the Fire Marshal as they have been for several years, and we will try to coordinate both inspections at the same time for your convenience.

Who is this inspector?

The inspector is Dana Verbeek, dverbeek@cityoframsey.com, who has the proper property maintenance and rental inspection certifications.

Can the tenants request inspections?

They sure can, but only if they have a complaint. We will advise the tenant to call their landlord or management company first to try to resolve the issue.

Do tenants need to be home for the inspection?

Tenants are not required to be present during the inspection, but if they are, they can point out issues or ask questions. The inspector provides educational assistance on maintenance issues.

How long does an inspection take?

Given the property’s condition, an inspection can take 15 minutes up to one hour.

What if my property does not pass the inspection?

No worries. The inspector will provide you with a list of all items that need correcting and work with you on a timeframe for completion. Your licensing fee covers one follow-up inspection at no charge. However, if the inspector needs to return for a third (or subsequent) visit on the same issue, you may be charged a reinspection fee of $150.

What will the inspector inspect?

The inspector will evaluate several aspects of the property to ensure its health and safety. This includes checking the heating, plumbing, and electrical systems and ensuring that doors and windows are functional. Additionally, the inspector will assess the property's exterior maintenance, which involves verifying that the yard is mowed, that junk or debris is not accumulated, and that vehicles on the property are properly licensed and operable.

I’m renting the house to a family member. Do I still need a license?

If your property qualifies for Relative Homesteading with the Anoka County Assessor’s Office, then no, provided you apply for and receive this status. If it does not qualify, then you must obtain a rental license.

I operate a licensed assisted living facility, housing with services, or a group home. The state or county has already inspected my property. Do I still need a rental license and inspection?

Yes. The licensing and inspections conducted by other agencies are specific to the services your license type provides and are not necessarily the same as those the City inspects. The exact requirements apply to unlicensed facilities, such as supportive living centers or sober homes.

I have my property on a contract for deed. Since it’s not a rental, why should it require a license?

As long as your contract for deed (CFD) is correctly recorded with Anoka County and set up to include a reasonable principal payment (not just interest-only), the City will not require rental licensing. If it is unrecorded and/or has an interest-only or minimal principal payment structure, the property is essentially a rental and will require a license. This is because the CFD is structured so that the “buyer” has no realistic chance of ever paying off the contract and obtaining the deed.

Any advice to make the inspection process easier?

Yes! Have a thorough lease with your tenants that outlines responsibilities (yard care, snow removal, etc.). Please provide tenants with contact information to report issues and repairs that require immediate attention, and then follow through by attending to them. Do an initial walk-through at the start of the lease term and then again at the end with your tenants and document the conditions. City staff will provide you with a copy of the inspection checklist beforehand, so feel free to self-evaluate before the inspector arrives.

Who is responsible for the City of Ramsey utility bill balance?

While the utility bill can be put in the tenant’s name, the current property owner is responsible for any outstanding balances. If you are a landlord (property owner), it is your responsibility to ensure the account is current before issuing a deposit back. Utility bills are mailed quarterly. It is the responsibility of the property owner to ensure that the account has the correct billing address. If you would like to be added as a secondary customer on the account to receive copies of the utility bill, please contact our Utility Billing Department at 763-576-4343.