(A) Criminal background check required. The city is interested in rental property owners being well informed about a prospective renter's past criminal history, regardless of whether or not the owner decides to enter into a lease with the prospective tenant. Therefore, the licensee shall conduct criminal background checks on all prospective tenants. The criminal background check must include the following:
(1) A statewide (Minnesota) criminal history check of all prospective tenants covering at least the last seven years. The checks must be done by utilizing the most recent update of the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's criminal history files;
(2) A statewide criminal history check from the prospective tenant's previous state of residence shall be conducted if the tenant is moving directly from the previous state;
(3) A criminal history check of any prospective tenant in their previous states of residence shall be conducted covering the last seven years if they have not resided in Minnesota for three years or longer;
(4) A statewide (Minnesota) court history check of all prospective tenants covering at least the last seven years. This check, which includes Unlawful Detainer actions, can be done utilizing the most recent update of the Minnesota Judicial Branch Trial Court Public Access database.
(B) Any company that the licensee contract with to conduct criminal history checks must meet the same standards as established above.
(C) Documentation of the criminal background checks must be kept on file by the property owner for the length of the tenant’s lease. The lessor must display documentation of the background check upon request by the Police Department.
(D) If the licensee fails to comply with the requirements of this section, the rental dwelling license for the premises may be denied, revoked, suspended, or not renewed. An action to deny, revoke, suspend, or not renew a license under this section shall be initiated by the City Council at the request of the Police Department in the manner described in § 5A.408.
(Ord. 1532, passed 11-26-07; Am. Ord. 1592, passed 5-9-11)