Housing
The Como Livability and Housing Committee
Chair - Katie Fournier - email her for more information
The Committee meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7 pm, at Van Cleve Park, 901 15th Ave SE
Mission: to Improve housing and livability conditions, and to maintain and increase the number of homeowners in the Como Neighborhood
Landlord Livability Letter
The following is the experience of a SECIA Livability Committee member:
A group of tenants lived in a rental house on our block for two years. They were a source of much disturbance: loud parties going on to the early hours of morning, rowdy behavior on the streets, large bonfires in their yard. When we saw the “For Rent” sign go up last year, a neighbor and I decided to write the landlord. We reminded him of all the problems, disturbances, and calls to the police caused by the outgoing tenants. We asked him to screen the next tenants more rigorously. We suggested that he write into the lease a 'no party' clause as a number of other landlords have done, and to include in his advertising such caveats as 'quiet street' or 'non-party environment,' again, as other landlords have done. We made it clear that the residents of our street intended to be strongly militant if the problems continued.
We also emphasized that this is a neighborhood where people take pride in their homes and value their peace and quiet. To that end, we asked as many neighbors on our street, and on streets nearby who had been disturbed, to lend their names to the letter. We didn't ask for signatures, just permission to print their names at the bottom of the letter. My neighbor and I provided phone and e-mail numbers next to our names. Copies of the letter, as well as a cover letter explaining why we sent it, were sent to our Councilman and the 2nd Precinct SAFE officer.
Although the landlord did not respond directly to us, we find the new tenants to be more quiet and respectful of their neighbors. They take care of the property and generally seem to have a more positive awareness of the concept of 'neighborliness.'
We are offering this landlord letter as a guideline and/or template for other streets with problem properties to use.
Take a 5 minute Housing Survey
Maxfield Research is conducting a housing survey for the neighborhoods around the University of MN. Please take a few minutes to take this on-line survey, click here, so that we can identify some of the key factors influencing housing choices and options here in Como. Maxfield Research is working with the Alliance and CURA on this project.
Reporting 311 and 911 Calls
Thank you for taking the time to assist with the collection of this valuable data. The Student Neighborhood Liaison Program, in conjunction with SECIA and the City of Minneapolis, will be better able to address future needs and concerns based on this feedback. Simply click on this link
311 and 911 Survey Tool
to fill out the form.
Helpful Tips if You Are Renting
Ward 3 Council Member Diane Hofstede's office created this flier to help renters know their rights. Please click here to view the flier. University of Minnesota Legal Services
The University Student Legal Service provides legal representation and legal advice to eligible students on the Twin Cities campus. USLS operates as a department of the Office for Student Affairs.
USLS is an excellent resource for renters' rights if you are a U of M Student. Please follow this link to their web site. USLS offers these services, including the Tenant Resource Guide.
Minneapolis Fire Codes
Now that summer is here, it's important to know the rules and regulations governing recreational fires and barbecues. The entire Minneapolis code can be found at the SECIA website, www.secomo.org. Please share this information with your neighbors!
Recreational Fires: only recreational fires 3 feet or less in diameter and less than 2 feet in height are allowed. Fires must be 25 feet away from structures and other combustible materials, or in an approved fire ring. Fires must be supervised at all times, with the appropriate fire extinguishing equipment on-hand (buckets, shovels, a hose, sand etc.). Recreational fires are only permitted through the hours of 9 am till 10pm, with no exceptions! Only unpainted, non-treated wood, coal or charcoal may be burned - any other material that is burned is a violation!
Barbecues: Free standing barbecue appliances and free standing fire places shall be a minimum of 15 feet from structures and other combustible materials.
If you are unclear as to whether or not you meet these minimum requirements, or if you witness a fire not conforming to the Minneapolis code, please call 3-1-1, or in the case of an emergency, 9-1-1. Fire safety is an important, yet often overlooked aspect of enjoying a safe and responsible summer.
FORECLOSURE COUNSELORS AVAILABLE AT PRG
PRG, a local non-profit partner located at 2017 E. 38th St. has mortgage foreclosure counselors available to assist families who need advice about their mortgages. The counselors can help you understand exactly what kind of mortgage you have and provide you with tools to work with your lender if you are behind on your mortgage payments. The counseling is free and confidential and is available to any one who is facing mortgage concerns.
There is no lower or upper income limit. Call our counselors at (612) 804-7025 or (612) 805-7756. Don't wait. The sooner you take action, the more options you have.
Home Loan Information
- Email us for more info
- Home Inspection Grants
- City Living
- Center for Energy and Environment
- Housing Related Phone Numbers
Follow these links to learn more about our current housing programs:
- Revolving Loan - 5% (as of 7/09) interest rate, up to $15,000
- NEW! Emergency Repair Program - (up to $5,000) call Brenda at 612-335-5891 to find out more
- Finding a licensed contractor in Minneapolis
HomeInspection Grants top of page
Call612-676-1731 for application materials
The Southeast Como Improvement Association (SECIA) is making available some of its NRP funds that have been designated for home inspections in the Southeast Como neighborhood.
Theintent of the SECIA/NRP Home Inspection Program is to help property ownerspay for a private inspection of their property that will give them a professionalassessment of any potential repair needs of their property and to determinewhich repairs should be addressed on a priority basis.
- There is a maximum grant of $150 per applicant to be awarded to pay for the inspection.
- Properties must be 1-3 unit residential buildings located in the Southeast Como Neighborhood. Only one inspection allowed per applicant regardless of cost for the duration of the program.
- Applications will be submitted directly to the Center for Energy and Environment (CEE) prior to the date of the property inspection. CEE will notify applicants of their eligibility to receive funds and an inspection through this program. Applications will be considered by CEE on a first come, first served basis until all program funds are committed.
- Property owners will be reimbursed by the Center for Energy and Environment and upon receipt of: a) a copy of the invoice from the inspector (if inspection not performed by CEE), b) a signed copy of the programís participation agreement (provided by CEE), and c) a copy of the completion certificate signed by inspector.
- Email James at SECIA or Brenda Yaritz at CEE for more info.
HousingRelated Phone Numbers top of page
TheComo neighborhood offers a wide variety of housing options, from turn-of-the-century homes to apartments and condominiums. The number of housing related programsfor renters and owners is just as varied.
The City of Minneapolis Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) was established by a City Council ordinance that became effective on August 24, 2003. Several entities combined to form the new department – the Minneapolis Community Development Agency, the Planning Department, the Empowerment Zone office, and the Minneapolis Employment and Training Program.
CPED’s mission is to promote and advance the City's planning and community development goals through strategic partnerships and responsible management of resources, and to support the public interest through implementation of the City's plans and priorities.
- Building Codes 673-5841
- Building Permits 673-5890
- Energy Conservation335-5858
- Homestead Information 673-2382
- Housing Complaints 673-5858
- Housing Rehabilitation 673-5285
- Improvement Loans 673-5286
- Mortgage Loans 673-5288
- Public Housing 342-1400
- Section 8 Housing 342-1480
Or call 3-1-1 for more information