Renting in Hopkins

Apartment Building and Trees

Residents who rent live in over 65 percent of the Hopkins housing units. Renters are a key demographic and important stakeholder in the community.  

The City of Hopkins proudly accepts and welcomes renters and we hope that you will feel at home in Hopkins. 

Inclusionary Housing Policy

Based on those discussions, the City Council adopted an inclusionary housing policy on May 16, 2023, which is a tool that will require developers to provide affordable housing units within a market rate development under certain conditions. 

View the City of Hopkins Inclusionary Housing Policy (PDF)

HOME Line

Tenant Hotline: 612-728-5767 or 866-866-3546

HOME Line is a Minnesota nonprofit tenant advocacy organization that provides free legal, organizing, education, and advocacy services so that tenants throughout Minnesota can solve their rental housing problems.

Callers will get accurate information about rental housing laws and learn what they can do to enforce their rights as renters. Any Minnesota tenant (outside of Minneapolis and St Paul) may call and the service is free.

Property Maintenance Inspections 

All rental properties are subject to inspection a minimum of every three years. Inspections include the interior and exterior of the structure, all accessory structures, including retaining walls, fences and the entire premises (driveways, yard and vehicles).

Rental Licensing

The City of Hopkins requires an annual license for all premises rented in whole or in part as a dwelling unit. This ensures that the City of Hopkins has inspected or will be inspecting the property (in accordance with the City's rental inspection program). It is illegal for property owners to lease residential property in Hopkins without a license.

Rental Property Complaint Inspections 

Property maintenance issues at rental properties are to be reported in writing to the property owner or property manager before reporting it to the City of Hopkins. If the tenant has reported the issue(s) verbally, please put the work request in writing, keep a copy of it for your records and allow a reasonable amount of time for them to address the issue(s). The City of Hopkins may be copied on the written notice. 

Filing a Complaint with the City

If the owner or manager does not address it in a timely manner, a complaint may be submitted to the City of Hopkins Rental Inspector Nick Stamboulieh and a complaint inspection may be initiated. If an inspection is conducted and violations of minimum property maintenance code standards are found, correction orders will be issued and a re-inspection will be conducted to ensure compliance. If the correction is not made, either a final notice or an administrative citation will be issued. 

This inspection policy does not apply to imminent hazards*, which should be reported to the property owner. If immediate action is not taken, contact Rental Inspector Nick Stamboulieh at 952-548-6456. 

*Imminent hazards include, but are not limited to: gas leaks, shock hazards, structural failures or impending collapse, lack of running water or sewage service, lack of electricity, lack of heating facilities during winter months, and similar conditions posing a significant hazard to the life or health of the occupants.