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:
I think relevant to the answer here is what is meant by “their home”. The couple owns a duplex and it appears that they occupy one half of that duplex. If so, then one could argue that the portion of the duplex that they occupy is NOT a rental property. If it is not a rental property then the city has no right to enter the property without a warrant based on probable cause. If the city inspects the OTHER half of the duplex and finds code violations then that might constitute probable cause to justify a warrant to inspect the other half.
But the home is in the same building, therefore it is a part of the rental property, and has to have a working smoke detector, up to code wiring and plumbing, etc.
I would not want my belongings burnt down because my neighbor/landlord doesn’t have a working smoke detector.
If you want to be a landlord, you have to follow city law.
What would have happened if the city had given 48 hours notice for the inspection, would that have changed anything?
America used to bed free
there has gotta be more to this story. even the nazistic bernie fans couldnt think this is right. obviously i say NEVER to the city but the city MUST have more reason than to want to check codes are being met.
After purchasing our house in MN, the county tax appraiser requested an inspection of the inside, request denied. They have not come back.
I got news for you ma’am….it’s your own responsibility to protect yourself..not the government…..FOR THOSE THAT SACRIFICE LIBERTY FOR SECURITY,LOSE BOTH AND DESERVE NEITHER.
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN
I would tell them to stand by for more information on letting them in. NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, BYE BYE.
Glad I moved out of that crazy state. Wonder when the armed guards in big trucks will be out in force taking the innocent people to the railroad cars.
Demand all you want in one had, p**p in the other. Wait to see which fills first.