Criminal activity and drug dealing can reduce a community to a mere shell of what it used to be. The community's health and well being are a direct reflection of the quality of life in the neighborhood.

The purpose of the Minnesota Crime Free Multi-Housing Program is to help landlords develop into effective partners in keeping our neighborhoods safe, free of criminal activity and drug dealing. We want to help responsible landlords that are seeking honest residents. We also want to help prevent dishonest residents from abusing rental housing and the neighborhoods in our communities.

The Crime Free Multi-Housing Program started in Mesa, Arizona in 1992. It has spread across the United States and Canada. It is a unique, three-phase certification program for rental properties of all sizes, including single-family rental homes.

Phase 1: Seven-hour program covering the following topics:

• Legal issues for landlords
• Effective leases
• Fire prevention in rental property
• Recognizing drug activity
• Effective applicant screening process
• The eviction/unlawful detainer process
• Crime prevention through environmental design

Phase 2: Crime prevention inspection of your rental property.

Phase 3: Crime prevention meeting for you tenants.

For more information about upcoming Minnesota Crime Free Multi-Housing classes, please contact Laura at 218-299-5355 or laura.hilgers@ci.moorhead.mn.us.

MINNESOTA CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROGRAM

LANDLORD TRAINING
Spring, 2008
Date to be announced

FORMS USED BY THE MINNESOTA CRIME FREE MULTI-HOUSING PROGRAM:

Authorization for Release of Information: To obtain local criminal background checks from the Moorhead Police Department

Kari Koskinen Background Check: To obtain a state-wide Minnesota background check on a prospective property manager or other keyholder

Lease Addendum for Drug-Free and Crime-Free Housing: Use as an attachment to your lease

Minnesota Crime Free Multi-Housing Newsletter

USEFUL LINKS:

http://www.ag.state.mn.us/Office/Publications.asp: This link will direct you to the Minnesota Attorney General website where you can download their publication - Landlords and Tenants: Rights and Responsibilities.

http://www.courts.state.mn.us/forms: This link will provide you with Court-acceptable documents you may need in the unlawful detainer process. Click "Housing" on the drop down menu.

http://www.cityofmoorhead.com/the_city/index.asp: Access to Moorhead's City Codes

http://www.mmha.com/: The Minnesota Multi Housing Association (MHA) is a state-wide nonprofit trade organization for the multi-housing industry. This website is good source for common rental forms.