A major decision that will impact Minnesotans’ privacy rights is waiting to be heard in the state’s court of Appeals.
It all started off simply enough. Jason and Jackie Wiebesick were a Golden Valley couple who lived in a duplex. One day, officials from the city approached them to ask permission to inspect their home. The stated reason was to collect information so as to make a decision over whether to renew the Wiebesick’s rental license.
Disturbed by the prospect of unfamiliar people walking around their home, the Wiebesick’s turned down the inspectors’ request. One might think it would have ended there, but the city saw to it that it didn’t.
Taking the case to court, Golden Valley authorities implored a county judge to issue a warrant overriding the Wiebesick’s objections and allowing them into the house. Tellingly, the judge refused their request for a warrant, prompting the city to reach even higher.
See video about the case on the next page:
Stephen Bockmiller based on that logic wouldn’t they be allowed to “inspect” adjoining units, regardless of ownership?
You do understand this is simply a test. Eventually they will find a way to enter and inspect anything they want. Resistance has to swift and strong. Force as a last resort.
I think that routine inspections of rental properties are standard in all areas. This is a big to-do over nothing. What do these folks have to hide? What code changes were recently enacted that could cause landlords new money? There is a lot of information not provided in this story.
And I support PRIVACY and the RIGHTS of PRIVATE PROPERTY owners.
Good old commie frigging Minnesota.
I believe it’s called illegal search and seizure! There is a LAWFUL reason for search warrants! Any entity claiming they can search without one are CRIMINALS!
and if we demand the right to inspect their office and files?….
This country is going down the toilet if we don’t reign in those that take away our rights.
The only reason the city wants to enter the dwelling, is not for safety, but rather to find miniscule violations and levy fines towards those violations. Yet more government extortion by denying our rights!
Come in my house without a warrant and you will be carried out.