Duluth Rent Control Being Contemplated

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Shelli Bakken

The Duluth Tenants Union, an advocacy group representing renters in Duluth, have signaled their potential efforts to introduce a ballot initiative allowing for rent control caps in the city of Duluth. This same group successfully led a ballot initiative in 2025 for the Right to Repair ordinance, which is now in effect.  

Staff from LeadingAge MN attended a stakeholder meeting on 2/25/2026, convened by Minnesota Multi Housing Association, to understand the process and next steps.

Ballot Initiative

Currently, the issue is only in the proposal stage, and several steps would be required before this could become an ordinance. If the Tenants Union starts collecting petition signatures over the coming months, there could be a ballot initiative put before voters in the November election. Wording for a ballot initiative may be decided by the Tenants Union. The City Charter in Duluth does not allow their City Council to override or amend a ballot initiative, as was the case in Saint Paul. There is concern that a rent control ordinance would not factor in the complicated budget implications in assisted living or other senior housing.

Vacancy rates for apartments in Duluth are under 1.5%. Many factors contribute to the concerns related to rent affordability, but an increased supply of housing is key. Experience in other municipalities shows that rent control ordinances tend to dampen the interest by developers and builders to build more housing. Operators of assisted living or independent living in Duluth should be transparent with your residents, families, and staff about the negative impacts any rent percentage cap would have on the quality of housing you can offer.  

Questions or feedback on this issue should be directed to Shelli Bakken, Director of Housing Policy and Expert Support.