Landlords could be required to warn tenants of nearby water hazards

Nearly half of children with autism tend to wander or bolt from safe settings, according to research cited by the National Autism Association. Many will seek out water. 

Last year, in two incidences months apart, wandering led to tragedy.

Four-year-old Waeys Ali Mohamed slipped away from his Hopkins rental unit and was later found drowned in Minnehaha Creek. A few months later, 11-year-old Mohamed Mohamed died by drowning in a pond in near his Eden Prairie home.

The deaths have spurred a call to action from their loved ones and their broader communities.

“My hope is that my tragedy can inspire meaningful legislation so that no other family has to face what I did,” wrote Waeys’ mother, Faye Seid.

Rep. Samakab Hussein (DFL-St. Paul) sponsors a bill he hopes will prevent more tragedies by requiring landlords to inform tenants of nearby bodies of water. A delete-all amendment of HF1566 was adopted by the House Housing Finance and Policy Committee before the bill was laid over Tuesday.   

Landlords would have to inform tenants of bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, reservoirs, retention ponds or public swimming pools, within a half mile of their property, relaying the information when the lease is signed. It would have to be posted if the property has four or more units. Notice must include contact information for YMCA of the North to give tenants information on water safety and swimming lessons.

The bill would require landlords provide some basic information, Hussein said. “It will support families trying to keep their loved ones safe.”

Research by the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, found children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning compared to the general pediatric population.

While appreciating the intent to prevent drownings, Minnesota Multi Housing Association President and CEO Cecil Smith said the requirements are unclear. He questioned if landlords would be held liable if their information is out of date and if other dangers like railroads or busy streets would also eventually require notice.