New ordinance says landlords must inform renters of problems

(Minneapolis, Minn.) Effective March 1, a new Minneapolis city ordinance requires landlords to disclose outstanding housing violations and tenant housing rights to prospective renters. At a weekend news conference, Legal Aid Housing Attorney Julia Zwak joined those who backed the measure. She explained lack of hot water, pest control issues and safety concerns related to electrical systems are examples of concerns that would-be tenants will have the right to know about prior to signing a lease agreement. If issues like these are not disclosed, according to the ordinance, renters can end the lease with three months’ notice.