Title

Rental Housing Licensing and Inspection Program

Environmental Health Links

Sections

The City recently made some updates to its rental housing program. These changes include:

Increased annual rental license fees – See Appendix A, Option #2
Adoption of 2024 International Property Maintenance Code (previously using 2021)
State-licensed group homes, having a licensed capacity of 6 or fewer, no longer required to have a city rental license per state statute
Updated rental licensing procedures & reinspection fees
Not requiring display of current rental license or Environmental Health contact information at a property
Other updates for clarity

The City Council held a public hearing on these changes on October 14, 2024.

The focus of the Rental Licensing and Inspection Program is to maintain the quality and stability of rental dwelling units which will preserve the value of land and buildings throughout Bloomington. Rental housing conditions that adversely affect or are likely to adversely affect the life, safety, general welfare and health of renters can be corrected and prevented by enforcing minimum standards within the city.

The Rental Housing program licenses many types of rental dwelling units including:

Single-family homes
Townhouses
Condominiums
Duplexes
Multi-family buildings and units
Accessory dwelling units
Group Housing (excluding State-licensed group homes with 6 or fewer tenants)

Environmental Health Inspectors annually inspect both the interior and exterior of all rental dwellings within Bloomington. They also respond to complaints concerning rental properties and systematically inspect the exterior of rental units throughout the year. In addition, at least 10% of all multifamily dwelling units are inspected each year.

Apply for a Rental License

Step 1. Apply for a rental license with the Business Licensing Division

Complete and submit the rental application to the Business Licensing Division.

Rental License Application

Rental Ready Checklist

First Time Rental Inspection Checklist and Information Sheet

First Time Rental Inspection Checklist & New Application Packet (Spanish)

You may submit the completed application and fee payment one of three ways:

Mail the application with payment to: Bloomington Business Licensing, 1800 W Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431.
Email your application to businesslicensing@bloomingtonmn.gov. Call the Business Licensing Department at 952-563-8728 to pay for the associated fee with a credit card over the telephone.
Drop off the application in person at the City Clerk counter on the first floor of Bloomington Civic Plaza (1800 W Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington, MN 55431).

Step 2. Schedule a Rental Inspection with the Environmental Health Division

After your application is processed and reviewed, you will be able to schedule your inspection. To schedule, please call 952-563-8934 or email envhealth@bloomingtonmn.gov. If you have applied in-person, we are available to schedule appointments during your visit.

Note: Non-functioning smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms will result in a failed inspection.

Here are some information sheets to reference before your inspection:

File a complaint with a Rental Inspector

Rental Housing Bloomington City Code

Additional Resources

Landlord

Tenant

Minnesota Attorney General's Office (tenant resources) , PH: 651-296-3353.
Homeline (Tenant advocacy), PH: 612-728-5767.
Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
Housing choice voucher program (Section 8)
Minnesota Department of Health - "Mold in Homes" Guidance
Legal Aid - Minnesota

Contact Information

Environmental Health Division

952-563-8934

Email staff