Cent. Hous. Assocs., LP v. Olson, 929 N.W.2d 398 (2019)

Citation: Cent. Hous. Assocs., LP v. Olson, 929 N.W.2d 398 (2019)
Parent Document: Cent. Hous. Assocs., LP v. Olson, 929 N.W.2d 398 (2019)
Jurisdiction: Minnesota (state)
Effective Date: 2019-06-12
Original Source: https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/8288834/cent-hous-assocs-lp-v-olson/ ↗

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Because the word "complaint" is not defined by the statute, we give it its plain and ordinary meaning. 500, LLC v. City of Minneapolis , 837 N.W.2d 287, 290-91 (Minn. 2013). To ascertain the plain meaning of a word, "we often consult dictionary definitions." Wayzata Nissan, LLC v. Nissan N. Am., Inc. , 875 N.W.2d 279, 286 (Minn. 2016). The dictionary defines complaint as: (1) an "expression of grief, pain, or dissatisfaction," (2a) "something that is the cause or subject of protest or outcry," (2b) "a bodily ailment or disease," or (3) "a formal allegation against a party." Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary 234 (10th ed. 2001). The dictionary definitions suggest that section 504B.441 may be susceptible to more than one reasonable interpretation: "complaint" could mean a tenant's expression of dissatisfaction, or it could mean a tenant's formal allegation against a party.

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