FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 25, 2025
Contact:
Marcia Moermond
Office of the City Council
marcia.moermond@ci.stpaul.mn.us
Saint Paul City Council announces consideration of Tenant Protections and Rent Stabilization Amendments
SAINT PAUL, MN – Today, the Saint Paul City Council is bringing forward two ordinances for consideration with the goal of addressing the City’s ongoing housing crisis. Our Council is moving forward with urgency to protect tenants and expand the housing supply," said Council President Rebecca Noecker. "This legislation is long overdue and it's critical to our goals of ensuring equitable housing throughout St. Paul. I'm proud that we are delivering on this major policy change in the first quarter of the year."
The Council is revisiting a package of Tenant Protections. Many Saint Paul residents are renters, and this slate of proposed protections are designed to provide both tenants and landlords a set of rules that accommodate both the dignity and stability of tenants and the viability of providing housing as a business. “By passing this package, we can ensure that landlords can’t discriminate against potential renters. That landlords and property owners must provide renters with fair and sufficient notice of sale when their home is being sold or when there may be a possible eviction due to a family’s inability to pay. That St. Paul renters aren’t charged an exorbitant price for security deposits. And that landlords can’t retaliate against tenants for simply trying to protect their rights, “said Chair of the Saint Paul Housing & Redevelopment Authority, Council Member Cheniqua Johnson. “All of these things help us create a city where tenants are more stable and have more voice in our city’s housing market – a goal I know this council shares.”
“Tenant Protections and rent stabilization are tools to actualize housing as a human right,” said Vice President Hwa Jeong Kim. “Housing prices are rising, we must respond by reducing disparities in housing costs burdens for communities of color and working-class families. Weakening rent stabilization will not address the need for more deeply affordable housing. We also have an opportunity to pass robust tenant protections, another necessary tool for long term housing stability which ensures vitality for our residents and city. I am grateful for the diligent work of Chair Johnson, and I am excited to help champion the passage of the tenant protections ordinance."
The Council is additionally revisiting the Voter Proposed and Approved Rent Stabilization Ordinance in light of the development challenges faced Downtown and at sites such as Highland Bridge, Allianz Field and The Heights. A revitalized development economy in Saint Paul is a fundamental part of a strong tax base, housing availability, and keeping the building trades of our city working. “Our Rent Stabilization Ordinance is an important protection for our city’s renters; this amendment can maintain its protection for a majority of our residents without impeding Saint Paul’s efforts to build more housing as we work towards affordable and plentiful housing.” said Councilmember Saura Jost.
Both of these important conversations will follow the established ordinance process. Each will be subject to three weeks of readings at Council meetings. The second reading of each ordinance will host a public hearing where the public can voice their opinions and offer input. The third reading of each ordinance will be their final adoption where the Council will vote to approve or deny the ordinance.
Next Steps in the Process
- March 27, 2025 – An evening community conversation with ordinance authors held at El Rio Community Center, 179 Robie St. from 5:30pm – 7:00pm regarding both ordinances.
- March 28, 2025 – An evening community conversation for Tenant Protections and new Rent Stabilization exemption with the Eastside, North End Community Center, 145 Lawson Avenue W. from 4:30pm-6pm.
- April 2, 2025 – Both ordinances are introduced for first reading.
- April 9, 2025 – Both ordinances will hold public hearing at Council.
- May 7th, 2025 – Both ordinances will be heard for a vote and final adoption. This date is subject to delay pending layovers and amendments.
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