Tenant Resources

To request this information in another language or format, please contact [email protected]. ** Para solicitar esta información en otro idioma o en un formato diferente, por favor contacta [email protected]. ** Xav thov nug nplooj ntawv no rau lwm hom lus los yog daim ntawv, thov hu rau [email protected]. ** Si aad u codsato foomkan oo qaab ama luqad kale ah, fadlan la xiriir [email protected]

Welcome to the neighborhood! This page has resources and opportunities for tenants renting in SE Como. You are represented by your neighborhood organization, SE Como Improvement Association (“SECIA”). SECIA represents ALL neighborhood residents, whether you are a lifelong homeowner resident or you just moved in as a brand new tenant — SECIA works for you!

Tenants — YOUR VOICE MATTERS!

We want to know what matters MOST to you in your neighborhood, about your experiences and priorities as a renter, and how to best connect!

Take our short Housing Survey to tell us about your needs & interests as a renter, and how interested you might be in future programs to support more affordable home ownership in SE Como!

Tenants — Let’s Get Organized!

What’s your tenant story in SE Como? Would you like to help build a Tenant Coalition in SE Como? We’d like to help support you in doing that. Interested in learning more? Contact [email protected] or call 612-685-0371.

TENANTS — DID YOU KNOW…?

Tenants’ Rights in Minnesota This booklet from LawHelpMN gives general information to help you better understand your legal rights as a person renting a place to live: https://www.lawhelpmn.org/self-help-library/booklet/tenants-rights-minnesota.

Repairs: If your landlord does not make repairs, there are steps you can take to make your landlord fix the problem.

View a guide at: https://www.lawhelpmn.org/sites/default/files/2021-0.

More renting guides on specific topics like evictions, deposits, safety, and more can be found at https://www.lawhelpmn.org/self-help-library/housing.

Need Rent Help Due to COVID-19 Hardship? Emergency rental assistance is available. Learn more and apply by 9:00pm on Friday, January 28, 2022 at RentHelpMN.org.

You have a right to know the actual energy costs at your next apartment! Under the new Minneapolis Renter Energy Disclosure ordinance, apartments with 5 more more units must disclose this info to prospective tenants at or before the time of rental application. Renters-Learn more HERE or by calling 311.

Cold Weather Rule:
The  Minnesota  Legislature  enacted  the  Cold  Weather  Rule  to  protect  tenants and  homeowners  from  having  their heat  disconnected  in  winter  (October  15  through  April  15)  if  they  are  unable  to  pay  their  utility bills.  Under the Rule  a  utility  may  not  disconnect  a  customer whose  household  income is  at  or below  50  percent  of the  state  median  income if  the  customer makes  timely  payments  under an  acceptable  installment payment  agreement.  The  Rule  applies  to  all  natural  gas  and  electric  utilities. More information relating to the Legal Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants is available from the MN Attorney in English or Español.

You have a right to know if your rental property is affected by environmental contamination and what’s being done about it. In SE Como, there are two historical sites of trichloroethylene (TCE) contamination affecting some properties through “vapor intrusion”, in both the related General Mills Superfund Site and the SE Hennepin groundwater and vapor site. Rental property owners are required by Mpls ordinance 244.275 to disclose this information to renters in the TCE contamination zone before a new lease is signed. If you have questions or want to report a violation of the ordinance, call 311. Learn more and get links to detailed renter notification requirements in English, Español, Hmoob, and Soomaaliga here.

Tell us what housing topics YOU want to talk about: Want to talk about how SECIA could help diversify access to affordable housing through paths to home ownership? What kinds of improvements to rentals in SE Como are most needed? SECIA’s future priorities and actions in how we use available neighborhood funds and resources must respond to the housing issues that matter most to SE Como tenants and residents. Reach out to [email protected] to let us know what housing topics you want to discuss at future SE Como housing forums!