Minneapolis Council imposes rental license conditions on property owners Hussain Khan and Mir Ali

On March 4, 2025, the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee of the Minneapolis City Council convened to address significant issues surrounding local business licensing and rental property regulations. The meeting highlighted two primary topics: the approval of a liquor license for a new Colombian restaurant and the imposition of conditions on rental licenses held by property owners with a troubling history of code violations.

The committee began with a public hearing regarding an on-sale liquor license for "Tropical," the first Colombian restaurant in the Twin Cities, located in the Warehouse District. Amy Muradu, the owner, expressed her excitement about contributing to the local dining scene. Council Member Katie Cashman praised the establishment as a positive addition to the community and moved to approve the license, which was unanimously supported by the committee.

The second, more contentious topic involved a quasi-judicial hearing concerning the rental licenses of property owners Hussain Khan and Mir Ali. The city attorney presented evidence of significant violations, including over $156,000 in delinquent property taxes and a history of 223 code violations across their properties in just two years. The city recommended imposing strict conditions on their rental licenses to ensure compliance and protect tenants.

Khan, representing the property owners, requested a modification of the proposed three-year compliance period to one year, arguing that the extended timeframe was excessive and detrimental to their ability to manage properties effectively. He cited challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and expressed concerns about the city's enforcement practices.

Despite these arguments, committee members expressed strong support for the city's recommendations, emphasizing the need for accountability and tenant protection. Council Member Cashman noted the substantial costs incurred by the city due to the property owners' negligence and reiterated the importance of maintaining standards for rental properties.

Ultimately, the committee voted in favor of the staff's recommendations, imposing the conditions on the rental licenses for a period of three years. This decision reflects the city's commitment to ensuring safe and compliant housing for its residents while holding property owners accountable for their responsibilities.

As the meeting concluded, the committee underscored the ongoing challenges in balancing business development with regulatory oversight, particularly in the context of housing stability and tenant rights. The decisions made during this meeting are expected to have lasting implications for both the local business landscape and the welfare of Minneapolis residents.