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1. How do I obtain a license to rent an apartment or room in the City of St. Cloud?

Please visit our applications webpage where you will find basic information on obtaining a license, fees, and applications. For general rental information, please see Information for Owners of Rental Properties.

2. What are some of the main requirements for homes, apartments, or sleeping rooms?

Requirements for homes, apartments, and sleeping rooms are as follows:

• All smoke detectors must be installed and maintained correctly.


• Bedrooms must have a window of adequate size for a safe escape in case of emergency. This size varies slightly depending on how old the building is, but is roughly a 5-square-foot opening.


• The electrical system must be safe and adequate for the property.


• The heating system must be properly vented and in good working order.


• The plumbing system must be properly installed and not leak.

3. What can I do about a loud party my neighbor is having?

Call the Police Department if the noise continues after 10:00 pm and request an officer be dispatched for a loud party complaint. The Police Department will investigate if violations are observed and citations may be issued to the residents.

If it is a rental property, the landlord will be notified by the heath director of the violations. If the landlord receives four violations within a 12-month period, the rental dwelling license can be suspended or revoked.

4. Who can I call if my apartment or rented home is in disrepair and the landlord will not respond?

Call the Housing and Code Enforcement Division at (320) 255-7214 and an inspector will be assigned to investigate. The property owner will be given a deadline to make necessary repairs. This only applies to the structure and does not affect rent or lease payment disputes. .

For further information on Landlords and Tenants Rights and Responsibilities, please call the Minnesota State Attorney General's office at (800) 657-3787.

5. What can be done about my neighbor's pile of junk, garbage, or junk car in their yard?

We always encourage residents to first talk to their neighbors. This small gesture goes a long way in promoting good relationships and neighborhoods. What we realize that sometimes the home is vacant, the neighbor is unresponsive, or special circumstances exist. City staff can assist and notify the property owner of the need to properly dispose of or store outside junk.

Call the Health and Inspections Department at (320) 255-7214 or visit our nuisance complaint page

6. Do I need to go through Rental Property Training?

All rental license applicants or their designee are required to complete rental training by attending:
• “St. Cloud Rental Property Training” (a free half-day program offered by the Police Department); visit http://ci.stcloud.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=675 OR
• “Phase 1 of the Crime Free Multi-Housing program” (a full-day program offered by several law enforcement agencies statewide.) Class schedules can be found at www.mncpa.net