Amendment to City’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance

November 4, 2022

The City of Saint Paul’s Rent Stabilization Ordinance, initially approved by voters in November 2021, was amended by City Council in September 2022. Changes to the ordinance will take effect on January 1, 2023.

Changes to the ordinance are a result, in part, of a Rent Stabilization Stakeholder Group convened by the city to research and consider enhancements to the voter-approved initiative. Additionally, the new rules incorporate updated language learned from six months’ worth of experience with the ordinance.

The revised ordinance continues to limit residential rent increases to 3% in any 12-month period while adding provisions that clarify terms such as “right to a reasonable return on investment” that were in the voter-approved ordinance. The amendment also creates a 20-year exemption for newly constructed residential rental properties, among other changes.  

Key changes to the ordinance include: 

• “Partial vacancy decontrol” allows landlords to increase rents by up to 8% plus inflation, measured by Consumer Price Index (CPI), after a “just cause” vacancy. 
• Landlords must demonstrate a “just cause” vacancy to be eligible for the partial vacancy decontrol measures. 
• Tenants will be notified by City staff when their landlord submits an application requesting an exception to the 3% rent cap. City staff will also notify tenants when the application is approved or denied. 
• Tenants and landlords will have 45 days from the date of the City’s determination on the exception request to file an appeal.  

To gather community input, the public review and comment period will begin November 4, 2022, and be open through December 2, 2022. Draft rules, notifications, and intake and other forms are now available online. Feedback on proposed rules and processes can be submitted here. After public comments are received, the City will review and publish the final rules, along with text addressing substantive concerns on the City’s website by Friday, December 30, 2022.

As we move forward with implementation, the website will continue to be updated.

We appreciate your partnership in working toward a successful implementation of the amended ordinance. We would appreciate your public comments and ask that you the link above with your networks.

Sincerely, 

Director Angie Wiese, PE, CBO