The Minneapolis City Council held a public hearing Wednesday on a proposed ordinance that would limit how landlords screen tenants, including banning questions about immigration status, but did not take a vote.
The proposal would amend the city’s housing maintenance code to prohibit landlords from asking about a renter’s immigration status and add protections against retaliation based on a tenant’s real or perceived status. It would also bar landlords from denying applicants solely for using an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
“This ordinance is really important,” said council member Jason Chavez. “Because since the height of the Operation Metro Surge, many of our neighbors have been impacted, including renters whose immigration status or perceived immigration status has been used to threaten and retaliate against renters who are struggling to pay rent.”
No members of the public testified during the hearing.
After the presentation, council member LaTrisha Vetaw asked to move the item forward without recommendation, saying she wanted more time to review the ordinance. Committee members were not opposed.
If adopted, the ordinance would allow for enforcement actions including fines and potential impacts to landlords’ rental licenses.
At this stage, the ordinance includes exceptions allowing landlords to comply with any legal obligations under state or federal law, such as requirements tied to government housing programs, or when responding to a subpoena, warrant, or other court order.
The proposal will continue through the council process and is likely to come back before members for a vote at an upcoming meeting.
