Duluth council reads tenant-notice ordinance and schedules rental-licensing study session

The Duluth City Council read, for the first time, an ordinance adding Article 5 to Chapter 29A of the Duluth City Code that would require notices to tenants about available resources and their protected rights under state law and city ordinance.

Councilor Rander, one of the ordinance authors, said the measure is intended to address tenant confusion about state rent-escrow rules (referred to in the meeting as “state statute 504b”) and to be the first step in a broader city-led response to housing concerns. “They are aware of all the work that we are doing in hopes that they will find it satisfactory,” Rander said in reference to the Duluth Tenants Union and Take Action Duluth, adding that council authors view the ballot measure proposed by tenant organizers as “systemically flawed.”

The ordinance would require posting of tenant resources in larger multiunit buildings where there are shared entries or common areas, city staff said. Administrator Staling told the council that the intent is to reach tenants who may have signed leases years earlier and might not otherwise see updated resource information. “In larger units . . . there tends to be maybe a shared laundry room or a public entry, and that's where it would be posted,” Staling said.

Council members emphasized this ordinance is part of a multipart approach. Several council members and staff said they expect additional ordinances or policy proposals to follow. Councilor Forsman and others noted the item will be considered further and discussed again in more detailed sessions.

The council also set a study session on rental licensing and enforcement for the Tuesday following the meeting (noted by staff to account for the Memorial Day schedule). Administrator Staling described the session as an informal, work-oriented meeting intended to let council members “go in-depth on a specific topic, to tap into staff experience and expertise and to work out potential policy direction.” City Attorney Lair, Deputy Chief Otis, staff member Greg Smith and representatives from OneRoof were listed as planned participants; members of the public were invited and the session will be broadcast.

Councillors asked procedural questions about the study session format and participation. Councilor Kennedy, chair of public safety, requested more involvement from public safety leadership in preparatory conversations; Staling said there had been some consultation with Council President Tomanek, Councilor Rander and Vice President Nephew on the study session concept, and staff would continue outreach to ensure diverse voices in the meeting.

No vote on the tenant-notice ordinance occurred at the meeting; it was presented and read for the first time. Council members said they expect further policy work and additional ordinance or resolution proposals as part of a multi-step approach.

The ordinance and the study session follow a period of public discussion in which tenants and tenant-advocacy groups urged clearer notice of tenant rights and available services. Council speakers stressed the city intends to pursue policy options through council-led processes rather than letting a separate ballot measure drive the outcome.

Looking ahead, staff said they will provide materials and be prepared to discuss detailed policy options and background at the scheduled study session, and councilors indicated they will continue meeting with stakeholders in advance of further formal action.