Welcome to the Minnesota CIC/HOA Ombudsperson Office

The Minnesota Common Interest Community (CIC) / Homeowners Association (HOA) Ombudsperson Office is here to assist unit owners, unit owners’ tenants, and associations in understanding their rights, under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 515B and applicable governing documents and facilitate the resolution of disputes between unit owners and associations through voluntary informal mediation. Established by Minnesota Statutes, section 45.0137, the Ombudsperson Office serves as a neutral, educational, and problem-solving resource for Minnesota’s common interest communities.

Our Mission

To help unit owners, unit owners’ tenants and associations understand their rights and to facilitate the resolution of disputes between unit owners and associations. 

Who We Serve 

• Unit Owners and Unit Owners’ Tenants seeking to understand their rights and responsibilities. 
• Associations looking for education and resources. 

How We Can Help 

The Ombudsperson Office provides education, resources, and informal dispute resolution. It provides the following services: 

• Education and Resources: Plain language explanations of CIC/HOA governing documents, identifying and providing resources related to the rights and responsibilities of unit owners, unit owners’ tenants, and associations.  
• Informal Mediation: Free, informal mediation services in disputes concerning Minn. Stat. Ch. 515B and governing documents.  
• Community Support: Track and review complaints to identify issues and trends.  
• Legislative Reporting: Provide reports and recommendations to legislative committees with jurisdiction over common interest communities. 

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.