Minnesota court orders St. Paul to include repair vote on ballot

The Minnesota Court of Appeals ruled that the city of St. Paul must include a local "right to repair" initiative on the Nov. 3, 2026, election ballot. The decision follows a legal challenge brought by the renter coalition Safe Homes St. Paul after the City Council voted 5–2 in August to keep the measure off the ballot.

The proposed initiative would allow tenants to perform necessary repairs themselves if a landlord fails to address written notice within 14 days. Under the plan, tenants could deduct the cost of these repairs from their rent, with a limit set at $500 or half a month’s rent, whichever is greater.

The city had previously argued that the ordinance might conflict with state building codes and regulations. However, in an opinion authored by Chief Judge Frisch, the appellate court determined that the initiative is not unlawful on its face and is likely not preempted by state laws governing landlord-tenant relations.

The court emphasized a high standard for pre-election review, noting that initiatives can only be blocked if they are proven to be unlawful in all applications. This ruling affirms a prior decision by a Ramsey County district court that had also ordered the city to place the measure before voters.

Cole Hanson, representing Safe Homes St. Paul, stated that the initiative is intended to ensure apartment safety. The measure has faced opposition from the Minnesota Multi Housing Association, a trade group representing landlords.