St. Paul Renter Repair Measure to Go to Voters in 2026

The proposed measure allows St. Paul renters to deduct up to $500 in repair costs from rent if landlords fail to act.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Apartments

Screen-print poster illustration of a pipe wrench on a windowsill, evoking residential repair policy in a vintage, textured graphic style. — St. Paul voters will consider a ballot measure in 2026 that would permit renters to deduct up to $500 in repair costs from rent. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should St. Paul allow renters to deduct repair costs directly from their monthly rent?

St. Paul voters will decide on a right-to-repair ballot measure this November 2026. This ordinance would allow renters to perform or hire professionals for home repairs if their landlord fails to act within a 14-day notice period.

Why it matters

Proponents argue that current rent escrow and court processes are too costly and time-consuming for tenants. The proposal aims to simplify how renters maintain their homes when landlords do not address issues in a timely manner.

The measure sets a 14-day notice requirement and limits repair expenses to $500 or half a month's rent, whichever is greater. Renters would be required to submit receipts to justify deducting these costs from their subsequent rent payment.

The players

St. Paul Voters

The local electorate which includes a population that is 50% renters.

Duluth

A Minnesota city that previously passed a similar right-to-repair ordinance with 70% of the vote.

The details

Under the proposed ordinance, tenants must first provide a 14-day notice to their landlord regarding necessary repairs. If the landlord fails to address the issue within that window, the renter may then perform the work or hire a professional to complete it. Costs incurred for these repairs can then be deducted from the following month's rent, provided the tenant keeps proper receipts for all work and materials.

2024: St. Paul saw an 88% drop in new housing unit construction.
2025: Duluth voters passed a similar right-to-repair measure.
November 2026: St. Paul voters decide on the ballot measure.

The Home Front

This ballot measure enters a local housing market that saw an 88% decline in new unit construction throughout 2024. It aligns with a broader trend of municipal efforts to address rental maintenance through direct tenant action rather than court-led escrow processes.

Renters should track the November 2026 ballot outcome to understand their future rights regarding repair costs. If the measure passes, start organizing a system to document any future repair needs and keep digital copies of all receipts for potential rent deductions.

The takeaway

This measure aims to streamline the process for fixing household issues by bypassing traditional court-mandated escrow systems. If it passes, maintain a clear paper trail of all repair requests and receipts to ensure you remain in compliance with the new cost-deduction rules.