Duluth council holds first reading on tenant ‘right to repair’ petition and alternative landlord-training ordinance

DULUTH, Minn. — The Duluth City Council on June 27 held the first reading of two competing measures that would change how landlords and tenants handle minor repairs: a petition ordinance (Ordinance 25-15) from the Duluth Tenants Union and Housing Justice Center and a council-drafted alternative (Ordinance 25-16).

The clerk reported that the petition was certified on June 23 with 3,752 verified signatures; state law and the Duluth charter require the council to act on the petition within statutory deadlines. If the council passes the petition ordinance unchanged it becomes law after 30 days; if the council does not pass it the petition goes on the November ballot. The council has also received an alternative ordinance and may vote on that alternative within a shorter charter window.

Why it matters: The petition would give tenants a formal “repair and deduct” pathway for small repairs, with a 14-day notice window before a tenant may arrange repairs. Supporters say it speeds fixes that otherwise grow worse; opponents argue the petition could expose tenants to legal or financial risk and could conflict with existing state anti-retaliation protections. Council discussion focused on legal implications, city enforcement capacity and how training, inspection and fee schedules would be handled if either ordinance advances.

Public comment and stakeholder views

Three members of the public spoke during the meeting. Ginka Tarnowski, who identified herself as a resident of the Fifth District, said parts of the petition…