St. Paul cracking down on unlicensed short-term rentals

St. Paul officials say dozens of short-term rental hosts have met, or are in the process of satisfying, city license requirements that took effect in early December. But about 400 short-term landlords are getting letters warning they face misdemeanor charges if they fail to comply with the new rules in 30 days.

Dan Niziolek, the city's deputy director of safety and inspections, said he's not surprised so many short-term rental hosts have failed to get licensed.

"These are people who may not think they need a license to do the business that they're doing," he said.

The city's licensing requirements include a home inspection, acceptable insurance and a $40 annual license fee for each rental unit.

Short-term landlords who fail to comply could face petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor charges.