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1. What is a Rental Dwelling License?

The rental dwelling license is a document required by the City of Wayzata for all rental dwellings, single through multifamily. The license verifies that the property is registered for occupancy and has met the minimum requirements set forth by the City for rental units. The major requirement for licensing is that the property is inspected for health and safety concerns and that all corrections are completed.

2. How do I renew my rental license?

The City will mail a Rental Dwelling License Renewal Application to the property owner or responsible party at least 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license. The application form and supporting documents must be completed and returned to the City along with payment of the appropriate license fee 60 days prior to the expiration date of the license (April 1 of each year).

Once the completed application form and license fee have been received, the City will contact the property owner or responsible party to arrange for an inspection of the property. You may also contact the inspections department to schedule an inspection to ensure a convenient time. For renewals, an inspection must be made 30 days prior to the expiration date of the current license.

3. What happens after the application and fee have been submitted?

The City will contact the property owner or designated agent to arrange for an inspection of the property. Once the inspection has been made and no violations have been found, the City will issue the Rental Dwelling License. If violations have been found, typically 20 to 30 days is given to correct the violation depending on the severity.

Violations that are considered a life safety issue are given 48 hours. An extension of time may be given on a case by case basis if the City’s compliance officer is notified in writing for the request 15 days prior to the re-inspection date. At that time, the City will issue a provisional license allowing for the correction of deficiencies. Upon completion, the City shall re-inspect the property. Once all violations have been properly corrected, the City will issue the Rental Dwelling License.

4. How can I prepare for an inspection?

Prior to inspection, landlords should review the Rental License Preinspection Checklist. Rental License Preinspection Checklist (PDF)

5. What has changed in the rental dwelling ordinance?

Visit our Residential Dwelling Ordinance Changes page for more specific change information. Residential Dwelling Ordinance Changes Page

6. When is a license required?

A rental dwelling license must be obtained prior to operating (charging rent or other form of compensation) any rental dwelling having 1 or more living units including apartment buildings. A Rental Dwelling License is valid from the effective date of the license and expires on April 1 of each year.

7. How much does it cost?

View the Residential Dwelling License Fee table for more information. Residential Dwelling License Fee Table (PDF)

8. What is the definition of a rental dwelling?

A rental dwelling means any dwelling with 1 or more living units, including apartments. A single family home can be considered a rental unit if any room or portion thereof contains living facilities, including the provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation for more than 1 family. It does not include hotels, motels, hospitals, and homes for the aged.

9. What is a rental complex?

A common owner of one or more buildings contained within a single development project is considered a rental complex.

10. How do I apply for a rental license?

Rental Dwelling License Application forms are available at City Hall or they can also be downloaded on our Permits & Licensing Page.

11. What does the inspector look for?

The inspector is looking for hazards to health and safety, as well as conditions that would cause deterioration of the property. Generally speaking, items that violate today’s building code, but were acceptable under the code for the year the building was constructed, would not be cited unless the item poses a hazard.

12. Are the licenses transferable?

Residential Dwelling Licenses are not transferable.

13. Where can I get more information?

Please contact the Building Inspection Department by calling 952-404-5313 or you can also visit our Building Inspection page. Building Inspection Department Page