In 2025, Minnesota Statutes, section 45.0137 was enacted to establish the Common Interest Community Ombudsperson within the Minnesota Department of Commerce to: 

• Assist unit owners, unit owners’ tenants, and associations in understanding the rights each possess under chapter 515B and applicable governing documents; and 
• Facilitate the resolution of disputes between unit owners and associations. 

Services provided by the Common Interest Community Ombudsperson  

Helping unit owners and associations understand their rights and responsibilities: The Ombudsperson will create plain language explanations of the common provisions in governing documents.  

Sharing information: The Ombudsperson connects people with resources about alternative dispute resolution methods and programs, CIC governing documents, and the laws that apply to their community. 

Maintaining an easy-to-use website that includes: 

• Links to the laws that apply to common interest communities. 
• Plain language explanations of common provisions in HOA and CIC governing documents. 
• Details about the Ombudsperson’s services, including how to receive help with resolving disputes. 
• Information on alternative dispute resolution.  
• Links to other helpful resources. 

Providing informal mediation upon the request of a unit owner or an association.  

Tracking and reviewing complaints from owners, tenants, and associations to spot patterns or recurring issues. 

Reporting to the Legislature: When asked or when necessary, the Ombudsperson gives reports and recommendations to legislative committees that oversee common interest community laws. 

Services not provided by the Common Interest Community Ombudsperson  

The Ombudsperson for Common Interest Communities (HOA/CIC) cannot give legal advice, act as your attorney, conduct investigations, or enforce agreements or rules. Instead, the Ombudsperson focuses on education, provides general information, and provides referrals to mediation and other resources to help resolve disputes.  

The Ombudsperson does not provide the following services:

• Legal advice: The Ombudsperson cannot offer legal advice or interpret governing documents beyond providing plain language explanations of common provisions.  The Ombudsperson may direct persons to resources but cannot offer advice on how a specific dispute should be resolved. The Ombudsperson’s services do not replace the advice or representation that a private attorney may provide.  
• Legal representation: The Ombudsperson will not act as your attorney in a legal action or represent you in court or mediation. 
• Enforcement: The Ombudsperson lacks authority to enforce HOA/CIA agreements, rules, or bylaws. They do not investigate complaints, issue fines, or make binding decisions. 
• Oversight of association operations: The Ombudsperson does not oversee or intervene in internal association matters such as board elections, budgets, dues, assessments, or management decisions.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce does not provide legal advice to consumers or associations. The information presented in this document is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.