Rental Housing Maintenance & Inspection

Rental Housing Ordinance

The City of Chaska rental dwelling ordinance requires all rental dwellings to be licensed with the city and pass an initial inspection. This ordinance is administered by the Chaska Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention.  

The annual license renewal is due in January of each year. Inspections are required every 2 years after the initial inspection.

Download our Rental Dwelling License Application (PDF).

Purpose of the Program

  • Monitor the use, location, and amount of space for human occupancy
  • Oversee an adequate level of maintenance
  • Preserve the value of land and buildings throughout the city
  • Prevent housing conditions that adversely impact renters and their physical, mental, and social well-being
  • Protect, preserve, and promote public health, safety, and general welfare
  • Provide for the administration and enforcement thereof
  • Provide minimum standards for basic equipment and facilities for light, ventilation, and thermal conditions
  • Provide safety from fire

Inspections

Inspections are scheduled Tuesday - Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Owners, managers, and tenants can call 952-227-7458 to schedule inspections.

All units in the dwelling will be inspected. Please make sure all requirements listed below have been addressed prior to inspection (this list contains examples of common issues found):

  • Use of extension cords for permanent wiring: Extension cords can only be used for portable appliances (toasters, televisions, electronics).
  • Multi-plug adapters: Multi-plug adapters are prohibited. Circuit protected power strips are allowed but must be UL 1363 listed. This listing can be found on the packaging as well as the back of the power strip.
  • Daisy chained power strips: Daisy chained power strips are prohibited. Daisy chaining is connecting multiple power strips together in a series.
  • Large appliances: All large appliances including space heaters, mini refrigerators, and chest freezers must be plugged directly into an outlet.
  • Missing or not working smoke detectors: Minnesota State Fire Marshal Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Tips.  
  • Missing or loose handrails: Structurally sound hand rails need to be provided on any steps with 3 risers or more. Porches, patios, or balconies located more than 30 inches higher than the adjacent areas need to have structurally sound protective guardrails.
  • Missing or expired fire extinguishers: 1-A:10:B:C (minimum) fire extinguishers are required in all units. Multi-unit buildings have different requirements. Extinguishers must be certified by a licensed contractor or replaced annually. Extinguishers must be mounted in an accessible area using the packaged mounting bracket.
  • All bedrooms must have egress windows that follow the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Statement of Policy for Escape Windows (PDF). 
  • Blocked fire sprinkler heads: Sprinkler heads need a minimum of 18 inches clearance. Do not hang anything on sprinkler heads or sprinkler piping, if exposed. Sprinkler heads cannot be painted and must be free of dust and debris.
  • Every single-family dwelling and every dwelling unit in a multifamily dwelling must have an approved and operational carbon monoxide alarm installed within 10 feet of each room lawfully used for sleeping purposes: Carbon Monoxide Detection Requirements (PDF)

Codes and Standards

We use the following codes and standards:

Fire Safety

80% of fire deaths occur where people feel the safest - in their homes. Please protect your family by making sure your home is fire safe. 

Take fire alarms seriously. We are often called to a fire alarm activation at apartment buildings and find occupants still in the building. Modern fire alarm systems are reliable, so please take them seriously. Make sure you and your family evacuate the building when you hear one go off. 

In almost all cases, the Fire Department will respond to the fire alarm and will give the all clear when it is safe to re-enter the building.

Additional Resources 

To learn more about landlord and tenant rights and responsibilities, or for lease questions or disagreements, contact: