Safe Homes, Strong Communities: CM Osman’s STOP Slumlords Ordinance

STOP Slumlords: Council Member Jamal Osman’s Ordinance to Protect Renters

September 17, 2025 — Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis is a renter city. Every family deserves a safe, healthy place to live – and landlords who repeatedly ignore serious code violations should not be rewarded with automatic license renewals. That’s why Council Member Jamal Osman is sponsoring the STOP Slumlords Ordinance (Slumlord Tier Oversight and Protection) – a common-sense policy that brings more transparency, stronger oversight, and real accountability to the handful of landlords who keep homes below city standards.

The ordinance requires City Council approval before renewing rental licenses for properties that fall far below city health, safety, and livability standards. Instead of being rubber-stamped, these licenses must come to the Council for a public vote with a corrective plan. Outcomes can include renewal with conditions, provisional licenses, suspension, or revocation – with protections in place for renters.

“Minneapolis is a majority-renter city, and every renter deserves a home that meets basic standards. The City needs to hold landlords accountable – and STOP Slumlords is a strong tool to help us do that.” — CM Jamal Osman

Why this ordinance is needed

City records show about 1,000 rental licenses covering 8,000+ units are currently rated below city standards. These properties are concentrated in North Minneapolis, around the University, near Downtown, and across Phillips and Midtown. For years, many of these licenses have been renewed automatically despite repeated health and safety violations. The result: families left living with mold, pests, lead exposure, and unsafe wiring – while landlords face little consequence.

Until now, the City’s rental license system has relied heavily on staff inspection schedules and administrative renewal. That system works for the majority of responsible landlords, but it fails tenants when owners repeatedly cut corners. STOP Slumlords closes that gap by adding a new layer of democratic oversight.

How the ordinance works

• Triggers: Licenses for the lowest-performing properties will no longer renew automatically – they must come before the City Council.
• Public Vote: The Council will review staff findings and vote in public, adding transparency and accountability to the process.
• Outcomes: Renewal with conditions, provisional licensing, suspension, or revocation – with a plan to fix problems.
• Tenant Protection: If a license is ultimately revoked after appeals, renters receive Tenant Relocation Assistance equal to three months’ rent to help families transition safely.

This reform builds on the City’s existing tiered rental license system, which already ties inspection frequency and fees to property conditions. STOP Slumlords strengthens it by ensuring the worst-performing landlords face public accountability and cannot quietly maintain unsafe housing.

Voices from renters and advocates

“My family and I experienced dangerous conditions – lead exposure for my young children, pests, and mold. Nobody should ever have to live like this.” — Hawa

“There are repeating issues across many properties. Clearly, our current system hasn’t fixed them.” — Emery Brush, Brentwood Tenants Union

“It’s a license to rent – not to neglect.” — Klyde Warren, tenant

Co-Sponsors

Jamal is proud to work alongside his colleagues CM Robin Wonsley, CM Aurin Chowdhury, and CM Katie Cashman — all co-sponsors of the STOP Slumlords Ordinance. Together, they are standing with renters and housing advocates to demand safe, dignified housing for every Minneapolis resident.

Timeline

September 30 at 1:30 PM – Public hearing in the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee
October 9 – Potential full Council vote
January 1, 2027 – Ordinance would take effect

Jamal’s record of results

As Chair of the Council’s Business, Inspections, Housing & Zoning Committee, Jamal has delivered real wins for renters:

• Passing the 30-day eviction notice requirement
• Funding deeply affordable housing like Wadaag Commons and Avivo Village
• Creating a Renter Advisory Group to bring tenant voices directly into policymaking

The STOP Slumlords Ordinance builds on that track record by ensuring accountability for negligent landlords – and dignity for every renter in Minneapolis.

Submit Written Testimony (City of Minneapolis):
Public Comment / Written Testimony Form
Tip: In the “Subject or File Number” field, write “STOP Slumlords”.

Speak at the public hearing:
Sept 30, 1:30 PM — City Council Temporary Chambers, 250 S 4th St, Room 350

Resources & Background:
STOP Slumlords FAQ (City PDF)
Business, Housing & Zoning Committee
Tenant Relocation Assistance ordinance text

Media Inquiries:
Osman Volunteer Committee – Communications Lead
info@jamalosman.org

Rank Jamal Osman #1 – because results matter.

Thank you to all the Ward 6 neighbors who stand with Jamal for safe, dignified housing! Your support ensures that Council Member Jamal Osman continues fighting for renters, workers, and safe neighborhoods – and he will keep fighting for ALL OF US. THANK YOU, WARD 6! ~Team Jamal