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Brainerd BPU updates three utility policies on tenant-landlord notice, deposits and multi-unit metering
Summary
The Commission approved three amended BPU policies: tenant-landlord responsibility for vacated rentals (200307), customer deposits (200509), and metering of multi-unit rental dwellings (200506). Changes were largely template and procedural clarifications, with one operational question retained about landlord notification.
On June 30 the Brainerd Public Utilities Commission approved a package of three amended policies that update templates and procedural language without materially changing policy outcomes.
Policy 200307 (tenant-landlord responsibility for vacated rentals): staff moved template and grammatical updates into the new format but left in language that BPU will notify owners of vacated properties after a tenant’s final billing. Staff said the city has a high share of rental properties (~54 percent) and that the notice is intended as a check and balance; policy procedures clarify that failure of the owner to receive notice does not relieve owner responsibility under statute.
Policy 200509 (customer deposits): the primary change was shifting procedural items out of the policy statement into procedures; the substance of the deposit policy did not change. Commissioners asked clarifying questions about deposit return timing (e.g., return after 12 months of on-time payments) and staff noted interest rates on deposits are set by statute.
Policy 200506 (metering for multi-unit dwellings): staff removed statutory language from the policy statement into the compliance section and added clarifying language ("and/or plumber"). Commissioners asked how inspections are handled; staff confirmed inspections are performed and records are kept in the utility mapping and billing system.
The commission approved each policy by motion after brief discussion.
Why it matters: policy template updates improve clarity and consistency; the tenant-landlord notice language remains operationally important for rental markets where the municipality serves many rental units.
