October 6, 2025 | Mark Luis Foster

The last legislative session that came to a whimpering end in St. Paul managed to squeak through a barely debated piece of legislation that was dislodged from the greater HOA reform package that was rattling around the capitol.

The HOA Ombudsperson Office, as it was dubbed, was passed and became law on July 1. The office got jammed into the Dept. of Commerce.

According to the Minnesota Legislature’s website:

[The law] would create a new ombudsperson to facilitate disputes between unit owners and homeowner associations. The ombudsperson would assist unit owners, tenants and associations in understanding their rights and facilitate disputes between unit owners and associations. The new position would cost $343,000 a year beginning in fiscal year 2026.

What their website doesn’t say is that the new office has virtually no enforcement powers.

I’ve said this over and over, but who in the world would take that job? While there are certainly some legitimate complaints from residents out there who may need a mediator, I would think the vast majority are of the “my lawn wasn’t mowed right” type. The complaint list could be endless.

It’s possible that my concerns over recruitment are coming true.

We’ve heard virtually nothing about the office since the July 1 shotgun start, and there’s no word on a new hire. Perhaps any day the grand unveiling of the new Mr. or Mrs. O will be revealed. I’ve sent several comms to my state legislators; but alas, the crickets are chirping.

So we wait. Until then, please leave your message at the sound of the tone…