Rental Properties

All rental licensing is processed online through Fridley’s CitizenServe portal. All notices and documents, including Inspection Notices, are sent electronically via email. You will also be able to access this information through your CitizenSserve account.  You can also pay licensing frees online and receive a receipt by email. Log into your account at CitizenServe.com/Fridley.

If you do not know your username or password you can use the links on the login page. Do not create multiple accounts. From a single user account, you can access online city licenses, permits, and code complaints from your computer, tablet, or mobile device. For the best experience we recommend using a desktop computer. Autofill or predictive text and Internet Explorer/Microsoft Edge browsers are NOT recommended.

CitizenServe can be contacted at 1-800-325-9818 if you have any technical difficulties.

Like landlords, the City of Fridley wants to ensure that those who live in rental properties have a safe place to call “home”. Public health, safety and welfare of all residents is essential. Fridley’s Rental Housing Division is responsible for rental property licensing and maintenance program. The division’s goals are to identify and correct substandard conditions and maintain quality standards for rental property.

As a rental property owner, you must maintain an annual Rental Property License.

• Review common corrections(PDF, 127KB) and complete a self-inspection of your rental property
• Learn about fees

Fridley’s Rental Licensing Ordinance applies to all buildings, which are rented in whole or part as a dwelling for persons other than the property owner. Its requirements cover accessory-structures such as garages and storage buildings, and appurtenances such as sidewalks, parking lots, and retaining walls, which are on the lot where the rental property is located.

Renewal Schedule for License

License renewals occur on a staggered schedule(PDF, 14KB) - at the time of first being licensed and every year afterwards. Licensed rental properties must be inspected by the City on a regular basis. You will be contacted by email when your property is due for an inspection every one-to-three years. It is the property owner's responsibility to maintain their CitizenServe account and keep contact information updated.

Process for yearly rental license renewal

If you are due for an inspection, you will be notified prior to your license renewal. Rental properties are inspected every one-to-three years. Licenses are renewed every year.

• An inspector will contact you regarding your inspection after your license application has been submitted.
• An individual 18 years of age or older must be present during the inspection, this can be a tenant, a property owner, or an authorized representative.
•  An initial inspection and one follow-up re-inspection are included with the cost of a license. Additional re-inspections required due to the following will incur charges: 1) Unresolved issues 2) Missing a scheduled inspection. This includes no shows and tenants not being given reasonable notice for the intent to enter the rental unit per Minnesota Statute 504B.21. 3) Inspector not being able to access all building common areas, grounds, accessory structures (garages, sheds, etc.), and individual dwelling units for compliance to the City's code, Uniform Fire and Life Safety Codes and/or state codes.

• Complete a Self-Inspection Checklist(PDF, 127KB)  before your schedule inspection visit.

1. Apply for a Rental Property License renewal.
   • Beginning in 2024, rental license renewals will occur online
   • If you had a 2023 Rental License in Fridley, your license will be transferred to the online system and an account will be created for you.
   • When it is time to renew your license, you will receive an email with your account information and instructions to access your license.
   • Apply for a rental license renewal
   • Download instructions for completing your renewal online(PDF, 676KB) 
2. Submit payment for your license and any required re-inspections, fees, or incurred charges.
   • Late fees apply if payment and renewal application are not submitted promptly. View Rental License Fees.
3. Your rental license will be uploaded to your CitizenServe account. View instructions(PDF, 281KB). 
   • Display your rental license as required by ordinance.
   • Multi-family properties must have the rental license conspicuously displayed, inside a frame, in the building’s entryway or common area.

Helpful Resources

• Learn more about the renewals process by watching the step-by-step video.

Rental License Transfer Form Instructions(PDF, 557KB)

A rental license may be transferred to a new property owner. A Rental License Transfer Form should be submitted within 10 days of the purchase.

Process for transferring a rental license to a new owner:

1. Proposed (purchasing) rental license holder will complete a Rental License Transfer Form in our online portal. There is a $25 fee to transfer a rental license. The transfer form and fees must be received within 10 days of the purchase of the property.
2. Current (selling) rental license holder will fill out a No Longer Rental Form in our online portal. No Longer Rental application should be submitted upon sale of the property.

No Longer Rental License Application Instructions(PDF, 339KB)

If you are no longer renting your property:

1. If you currently have a rental license and your property is no longer being used as rental you will need to complete the No Longer Rental Form in our online portal upon sale of the property.
2. New owners should apply to have the rental license transferred to their name. Complete a Rental License Transfer Form in our online portal. There is a $25 fee to transfer a rental license. The transfer form and fees must be received within 10 days of the purchase of the property.

New Rental License Application Instructions(PDF, 448KB)

If you have purchased a property with an existing Rental License, complete a Rental Transfer Form to have the license transferred to your name. If you are establishing a new license, follow the steps below.

Process to receive a new rental license:

1. Apply for a NEW Rental Property License.
   • Please note: This online application link is only for new rental property license applications. Please follow instructions in the email you received to submit a license renewal online.
     • Instructions for submitting a NEW Rental Property License(PDF, 448KB)
     • Fill out a new rental property license online application
     • • License renewals for current rental properties will be accepted online beginning in 2024. If you are renewing an existing rental license, please follow instructions in the email you received.
2. Successfully complete a Rental Property Inspection.
   • An inspector will contact you regarding your inspection after your license application has been submitted.
   • You, or your property manager, must be present for the inspection.
   • An initial inspection and one follow-up re-inspection are included with the cost of a license. Additional re-inspections required due to unresolved issues will incur charges.
   • Save time and money! Complete the Self-Inspection Checklist(PDF, 127KB) before your scheduled inspector visit.
   • Rental properties are re-inspected every one to three years.
3. Submit payment for your license and any required re-inspections.
   • Late fees apply if payment is not submitted promptly.
   • • View Rental License Fees
4. Post your rental license as required by ordinance.
   • Multi-family properties must have the rental license conspicuously displayed, inside a frame, in the building’s entryway or common area.

Short-term rental properties (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO, and similar business models) are subject to Fridley's Rental Licensing ordinance and must apply for a Rental License.

The City of Fridley allows up to five unrelated adults to occupy a single-family residence. Under Minnesota law, group residential housing facilities like housing with services or assisted living are not subject to Fridley's rental licensing requirements if they are otherwise licensed by the state.

To receive approval for converting a single family home to an assisted living or housing with services site, apply for a Commercial Building Permit - Subtype "Other". Submit detailed architectural floor plans demonstrating that the property meets code requirements. The Building Inspections Division will review the plans for code compliance.  

Useful Forms & Checklists

• Kari Koskinen Background Check(DOC, 48KB) - For obtaining a state-wide Minnesota background check on a prospective property manager or other keyholder. This is for Minnesota properties only.

Useful Links

• Minnesota Attorney General - Download their publication, “Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities.”
• Minnesota Judicial Branch - Find court acceptable documents you may need in the eviction process. Select "Housing/Landlord-Tenant" and then "Eviction."
• Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MHA) is a state-wide nonprofit trade organization for the multi-housing industry. This website provides common rental forms.

Resources for Rental Properties

• Common code corrections for rental properties(PDF, 127KB)
• Property maintenance/code enforcement
• Business Resources
• Housing loans and grants
• Multi-Family Building Efficiency Program- A free whole building energy audit combined with no-cost installation of energy-saving equipment throughout common areas and resident units and increased rebate and bonus incentives.
• Recycling information - All rental properties are required to provide their tenants access to recycling. For buildings with 12 or fewer units, your building will be serviced by the City's recycling provider (Republic Services) and charges will be included on your utility bill. Buildings with 13 or more units are responsible for contracting for their own service. You must have sufficient service to provide 10 gallons of recycling per unit per week. For example, a 20 unit building must provide a minimum of 200 gallons of service. This could be through two 96-gallon carts serviced weekly or one two-cubic yard dumpster serviced weekly. To request recycling information for your building, please visit our recycling page.

• Renew Your Rental License(PDF, 676KB)
• New Rental License(PDF, 448KB)
• No Longer Rental Form(PDF, 339KB)
• Transfer Form(PDF, 557KB)
• Paying By E-Check(PDF, 192KB)
• Please Note - Renew License Reminder(PDF, 74KB)
• Rental License Certificate Written Instructions(PDF, 281KB)

• HomeLine - A nonprofit Minnesota Tenant Advocacy Organization that provides free, legal advice and assistance to residents of rental properties.
• Office of the Minnesota Attorney General - Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities
• Section 8 Rental Assistance - A federal housing program, funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), that assists in providing affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. The purpose of the program is to provide families rent assistance by utilizing the existing housing stock. 
  
  Note: The City of Fridley does not operate its own Section 8 housing program. Instead, region-wide resources are available through the Metro Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA).Contact the Metro HRA at 651-602-1428 or via the Metro HRA website.
• State Support: Works to improve understanding and access to the civil legal justice systems for all Minnesotans. State Support is a longstanding project of the Minnesota Legal Services Coalition (MLSC): 
  • Anishinable Legal Services (ALS)
  • Central Minnesota Legal Services (CMLS)
  • Justice North
  • Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota (LSNM)
  • Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid (MMLA)
  • Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services, Inc. (SMRLS)
  • Housing | LawHelp Minnesota
  • Minnesota Legal Advice Online

Complaint Procedures

1. Tenant must notify the owner/manager in writing about the issue(s).
2. Date and sign the notification.
3. Give a specific date and time for items to be repaired-typically 14 days for non-emergency complaints; 24 hours for emergencies.
4. Keep a copy of your records.
5. Tenants may also contact HOMELINE-FREE TENANT LEGAL ADVICE at 612-728-5767.

*If adequate progress is not made by the specific deadline, email the Rental Property Inspection Division or call 763-572-3616 to make a formal complaint and schedule an inspection.

Emergency Repair: Complaint Procedures

For emergencies, notify both the owner/manager and Fridley's Rental Property Inspections Division. Immediate hazards: call 9-1-1.

Examples of possible maintenance emergencies include:

• A serious infestation 
• Loss of running water or hot water
• Loss of heat or electricity 
• Loss of sanitary facilities 
• A non-functioning refrigerator 
• If included in the lease, a non-functioning air conditioner or elevator 
• Any conditions, services or facilities that pose a serious and negative impact on health or safety (see Additional Conditions)
• Or other essential services or facilities, including natural gas
• Immediate hazards – call 9-1-1

Emergency Repair: Additional Conditions

Examples of any conditions, services or facilities that pose a serious and negative impact on health or safety: 

• Missing or inoperable smoke detectors/carbon monoxide detector
• Inoperable fire alarm system (for apartments) 
• Severe water leak 
• Unsanitary situation 
• Unsafe structure
• Blocked fire exits 
• Inoperable locking mechanism
• Unsecured doors and windows (for apartments this only applies to units)
• Overheating appliances or other possible fire hazard
• Immediate hazards of open flame (i.e. BBQ grills, illegal recreation fire - call 9-1-1)

Contact

If you have concerns about the Fridley home you are renting, you can email the Rental Property Inspection Division or call 763-572-3616. For immediate hazards, call 9-1-1.

An online list of Currently-Licensed Rental Properties is available from our licensing portal.

You will need to click "submit" to generate the report.

If you have concerns about the Fridley home you are renting, you can email the Rental Property Inspection Division or call 763-572-3616.