Knowledge Base

A Rental Property Certificate is a license required for anyone renting a dwelling unit (per R.C.O. Chapter 7-5-1).  As a part of the initial application process, Rochester City Ordinance 38.045, Subdivision 21, requires all landlords or their property managers to complete either a Landlord Public Safety Seminar through the City of Rochester, or Phase I of the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.  

Once one of these options is completed and submitted to the Community Development Department and has been approved, the certification is valid for life (requiring renewal fees and inspections to remain active) and covers all present and future rentals.

Option 1: Landlord Public Safety Seminar

The Landlord Public Safety Seminar video class is available in six parts online (see below). Once you have watched the six parts of the video class, please download the exam.

Submit the completed exam to our office along with the $50.00 exam fee. Cash or credit card payments are accepted in the office only. Checks may be mailed in with the completed exam and must be made payable to the City of Rochester.

A passing grade of 70% is required. The fee covers two attempts to pass the exam. Should further attempts be necessary, another $50.00 fee will be due.

Our office will notify you with the test results, usually within 1-2 business days of submission. Your completion certificate will be mailed to you.

Option 2: A Certificate from a Crime Free Multi-Housing Program from Olmsted County or another Jurisdiction

Certificates will be examined for validity and comparability to our standards. Send submittals to the Community Development department, to the attention of the Housing Inspection Services Manager, for review.