Lawsuit accuses city of Minneapolis of inequitable housing code enforcement practices

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The city of Minneapolis is facing a new lawsuit alleging discrimination in its housing code enforcement, particularly regarding rental properties in a heavily populated area with diverse communities.

On Tuesday, a lawsuit was filed on behalf of eight current and former residents from the north side of the city. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported the details. It aims to compel the city to assign more housing code inspectors to north Minneapolis, where residents have long expressed concerns about landlords neglecting their properties without facing significant consequences. The lawsuit does not seek a financial settlement.

According to the lawsuit, “Despite the widespread knowledge of predatory landlords in north Minneapolis, the City of Minneapolis has consistently failed to take action.”

The plaintiffs include tenants who claim that the city failed to address issues regarding lead paint, leaks, electrical problems, and mold, despite numerous reports. Additionally, a postal carrier alleges that the city ignored his complaints about violations he observed along his route, such as homes without doorknobs, yards filled with trash, and deteriorating stairs. He states that the city closed his complaints without resolving the violations.

Among the plaintiffs is Arianna Anderson, who resided in north Minneapolis for several years before relocating her family to the suburbs.

Anderson stated, “I believe that the city of Minneapolis can do better. I know they have the resources. It’s just a matter of bringing attention to this situation.”

A spokesperson for the city of Minneapolis responded by saying that they are currently “reviewing the complaint.”

Ben Kappelman, the attorney representing the plaintiffs, emphasized that the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office has taken action against landlords after they have accumulated hundreds of code violations.

Kappelman added, “Rather than waiting for the attorney general to intervene, it’s necessary to prevent these landlords from accumulating violations in the first place.”

Anderson, a mother of five, claimed to have made dozens of calls to the city to report issues with her former home. Water damage led to the growth of black mold, causing asthma attacks among her children. She also described a leaky sink and a swarm of bees that formed a nest in the walls, with approximately 100 bees entering the house at one point.

Although a city employee conducted an inspection in response to Anderson’s concerns about lead paint, no action was taken. Years later, a comprehensive inspection revealed the presence of lead paint throughout the entire house.

After taking her landlord to housing court, Anderson reached a settlement agreement that included a payment of $9,406, repairs, and relocation assistance in 2022. Unable to find suitable housing in north Minneapolis, she decided to move to the suburbs.