Overview — Are STRs allowed in Minnetonka?

• Yes. Short-term rentals are allowed in Minnetonka. As of Feb. 3, 2024, all residential rentals (including short- and long-term rentals) must be registered annually with the City of Minnetonka, with no cost to register and no inspection required at registration. The program includes short-term rentals and requires both a rental manager designation and posting of the registration certificate in the unit or common area. State law limits municipal authority and prohibits outright bans on STRs. [Source]

How to Start an STR Business in Minnetonka

• Confirm zoning and property type: Single-family dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, townhomes, multi-family buildings, and apartment buildings are all subject to the registration requirement. If your property is larger than a single-family home (e.g., a true multi-family structure), contact the city to confirm any additional zoning considerations. [Source]
• Designate a rental manager: Every residential rental unit must have an appointed rental manager; the owner may serve as the manager. Keep current contact details on file. [Source]
• Complete annual registration: Use the city’s online registration portal (or submit a printed application). The registration is free and generates a certificate with a unique registration number. Renew annually; numbers persist as long as the registration stays active. [Source]
• Post the certificate: Provide a copy to each tenant and visibly post the Certificate of Registration in the unit (or a common area for larger properties). [Source]
• Maintain compliance: Retain the registration certificate, keep contact information current, renew on time, and ensure the property is operated in accordance with local code, fire/police guidance, and general landlord-tenant statutes. [Source]

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Annual rental registration (no fee): Include the owner’s and manager’s contact information, property address, and unit identification where applicable (e.g., for townhomes/condos or separate units in multi-family buildings). Registration numbers are assigned for renewals. [Source]
• Certificate of Registration: Issued upon registration; must be provided to tenants and posted in the unit or common area. [Source]
• Local guidelines and landlord resources: The city provides a Landlord Resource Guide and a direct contact person for program questions. [Source]
• State-level tenant-landlord guidance: The Minnesota Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Handbook is a practical reference. [Source]

Important notes on process and timing:

• Online application is recommended for simplicity (desktop, tablet, or phone). A printed version is available for those without internet access; public computers at City Hall can also be used. [Source]
• Renewal reminders are sent via email. You can renew anytime before the certificate’s expiration date. [Source]
• All properties must be registered by Feb. 3, 2025 (with a one-year leniency period from the ordinance’s effective date). [Source]

City, County, and State Regulations

City of Minnetonka — Rental Registration (including STRs)

• Ordinance: Rental Registration (effective Feb. 3, 2024), codified at Minnetonka City Code, Chapter 5, Section 530. [Source]
• Annual registration required for all residential rentals (single-family, owner-occupied units with rented rooms, duplex, triplex, fourplex, townhomes, group homes with >6 residents, multi-family buildings, apartment buildings), including short-term rentals. [Source]
• Rental manager designation required for all residential rental units. [Source]
• Certificate of Registration must be posted in the unit (or common area for larger properties) and provided to tenants. [Source]
• Registration is free; no inspection is required to complete registration. [Source]
• Properties must be registered by Feb. 3, 2025. [Source]

Property types exempt from registration include:

• Owner-occupied units with no rented rooms.
• Minnesota Department of Health-licensed rest homes; convalescent care facilities.
• Group homes with six or fewer residents; licensed care facilities; nursing homes.
• Hotels and motels. [Source]

When to contact the city:

• To confirm zoning or additional requirements for properties larger than single-family homes.
• To clarify registration for townhomes/condos or individual units in multi-family buildings.
• For questions about the registration form, renewal process, or ordinance specifics. [Source]

Hennepin County

• No separate county-level STR licensing identified in the sources. The county does offer tenant resources (e.g., Tenant Resource Center, emergency rental assistance) that can be relevant to overall tenant relations and housing stability, but these are not licensing requirements for STR operators. [Source]

State of Minnesota — Legal Context for STRs

• Minnesota law prevents municipalities from imposing a total ban on short-term rentals; cities may regulate safety standards, occupancy limits, and require registration numbers to be displayed on listings. In practice, this means Minnetonka can manage STRs (via the rental registration ordinance), but cannot outlaw them outright. Investors should verify current statutory text at the Minnesota Legislature’s website for any updates. [Source]
• State-level guidance for landlords and tenants is available via the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. [Source]

Contact Information (Local Authority)

• Kendyl Larson
  • Phone: 952-939-8267
  • Email: klarson@minnetonkamn.gov
  • City of Minnetonka — Community Development/Code Enforcement
  • Address: 14600 Minnetonka Blvd., Minnetonka, MN 55345 [Source]

Links to Source Pages (Direct References)

• Renters and Landlords — City of Minnetonka (Rental Registration Ordinance, FAQs, Process)
  • www.minnetonkamn.gov/our-city/housing/renters-and-landlords
• Minnetonka City Code (Chapter 5, Section 530 — Rental Registration)
  • codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/minnetonka/latest/minnetonka_mn/0-0-0-31175
• Rental Registration Online Application Portal
  • survey123.arcgis.com/share/d21ef2ab3fec41fe849cf7f1f78755ba
• Landlord Resource Guide (City of Minnetonka)
  • www.minnetonkamn.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/13997/638440271441900000
• Minnesota Attorney General — Landlord-Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
  • www.ag.state.mn.us/brochures/publandlordtenants.pdf
• Rental Housing Dashboard (City of Minnetonka)
  • www.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/a2608798f21e4ba6ae54713ccd83d090
• Tenant and Landlord Resources — Hennepin County
  • www.trchennepin.com/
• Hennepin County — Emergency Rental Assistance
  • www.hennepin.us/residents/human-services/emergency-assistance
• Wayzata article with Minnesota statutory context (STRs cannot be banned outright by cities)
  • wayzata.com/2025/08/04/wayzata-council-to-revisit-short-term-rental-rules-amid-neighborhood-tension-and-legal-limits-in-workshop/

Practical Checklist for Minnetonka STRs

• Confirm property type and zoning (call the city if larger than single-family).
• Designate a rental manager (owner may serve).
• Register the property online (free) and obtain the Certificate of Registration.
• Post the certificate and provide a copy to tenants.
• Maintain annual renewals; keep contact information current.
• Use the Landlord Resource Guide and Attorney General’s handbook to align with state/local expectations.
• Engage Hennepin County resources when addressing tenant stability and support needs.