Council hears mixed views as ordinance to post tenant-rights resources is read for first time

The Duluth City Council heard public comment and held initial discussion on an ordinance to add an article to city code requiring notice to tenants of available resources and protected rights under state law.

Ordinance details: The ordinance (listed as Ordinance 13 when read aloud by the clerk) would add Article 5 to Chapter 29a of the Duluth city code to require landlords to provide notice to tenants of available tenant-landlord resources and protected rights under Minnesota law and city ordinance. The item was read for the first time during the meeting; no final vote was taken.

Public comment: Speakers included tenants’ advocates and housing providers with differing perspectives. Barbara Monte, a resident who identified herself as active on housing issues, urged the council to rely on existing state remedies and the city’s inspection process, arguing that tenants and landlords already have “four solid ways” to address repairs under current Minnesota statutes and city life-safety inspections.

Representatives of tenant organizations, and other supporters, urged the council to adopt the new posting requirement to educate renters about repair options and rights. Matt Baumgartner, who said he has supported housing projects before the council, told members he backed the ordinance as a measure to ensure tenants are informed, noting existing options such as life-safety inspections, free mediation, escrow remedies under state law and the Tenant Remedies Act are not widely known to renters.

Landlord perspective: Britney Kushal, identified as acting president of the Duluth Landlord Association, said conversations among housing providers showed mixed views. She supported expanded education and funding for outreach but warned that new policy could add complexity and transactional burden for some landlords, particularly small “mom-and-pop” owners. Kushal said improving communication and funding for existing organizations that educate both tenants and housing providers should be prioritized.

Council discussion: Councilor Dirachter thanked tenants and landlords for participating and said many small repairs (Baumgartner and others referenced amounts of $500 or less) could be addressed through better awareness rather than new enforcement. Councilor Forsman said staff had reviewed the relevant code and noted the council would have more time to examine legal implications; he cautioned against assuming the ordinance was “simple.” The ordinance remains in first-reading status; the council did not vote on final adoption at this meeting.

Why it matters: Speakers and council members agreed that information gaps exist about how tenants can obtain repairs and that education is important. Supporters said a posting requirement would make rights and remedies more visible; some landlords worried about duplication with existing state remedies and potential administrative burdens.

What’s next: The ordinance was formally read for the first time and will return for additional readings, council debate and possible amendment before any final vote.