Jamestown is the county seat of Stutsman County, North Dakota, with a population of approximately 15,000 residents. It serves as a regional center for south-central North Dakota and is home to the University of Jamestown. All landlord-tenant matters in Jamestown are governed by North Dakota's landlord-tenant law (N.D.C.C. §§ 47-16-01 through 47-16-41), which is among the more minimal in the country in terms of tenant protections. The city has no local tenant protection ordinances.
North Dakota does not have rent control, just cause eviction requirements, or robust statutory repair-and-deduct remedies. The state does provide a cap on security deposits and a 30-day return deadline, as well as a prohibition on self-help eviction. Jamestown renters facing disputes can access free legal assistance through Legal Services of North Dakota, which serves Stutsman County.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Renters with urgent housing issues should contact a licensed North Dakota attorney or Legal Services of North Dakota directly.
Jamestown has no rent control, and North Dakota has not enacted any statewide rent control or rent stabilization law. No city or county in North Dakota has local rent control. Landlords in Jamestown may raise rent by any amount at the end of a lease term — there are no caps, no percentage limits, and no requirement to justify an increase.
For month-to-month tenancies, a landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy or implementing a rent change (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-15). During a fixed-term lease, the landlord generally cannot raise rent unless the lease expressly permits it. Tenants who cannot afford a rent increase have no legal mechanism to challenge the amount under North Dakota law.
North Dakota's landlord-tenant law (N.D.C.C. §§ 47-16-01 through 47-16-41) provides the following baseline protections for Jamestown renters.
Implied Warranty of Habitability: North Dakota courts recognize an implied warranty of habitability, requiring landlords to maintain units in a condition fit for human habitation. However, the statutory remedies for habitability failures are limited. Filing a complaint with local code enforcement in Jamestown is typically the most practical step for tenants facing serious habitability issues.
Security Deposit: Security deposits are capped at one month's rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days with a written itemized statement. Failure to comply entitles the tenant to the full deposit amount plus damages (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1).
Notice to Terminate: Either party may terminate a month-to-month tenancy with at least 30 days' written notice (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-15).
Eviction Process: Landlords must provide written notice and file for eviction in Stutsman County District Court. Self-help eviction is prohibited statewide (N.D.C.C. § 47-32-01).
Retaliation: North Dakota has limited statutory retaliation protections for tenants. Document all communications in writing and seek legal aid if you believe your landlord is retaliating for a repair request or code complaint.
Security deposit rules in Jamestown are governed by N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1.
Cap on Deposit Amount: A landlord may not collect more than one month's rent as a security deposit. Any deposit collected above this limit may be unlawful.
Return Deadline: After you vacate the unit, your landlord has 30 days to return the deposit with a written itemized statement of any deductions. Always provide your forwarding address in writing when you move out to start the 30-day clock.
Penalty for Non-Compliance: If your landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within 30 days, you may recover the full deposit amount plus damages in a civil action (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1). File your claim in Stutsman County Small Claims Court for smaller amounts.
Allowable Deductions: Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, small nail holes, ordinary carpet wear — cannot be charged to the tenant. Document your unit's condition with dated photos at move-in and move-out.
Evictions in Jamestown must follow North Dakota's statutory process. Self-help eviction — changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities without a court order — is prohibited statewide (N.D.C.C. § 47-32-01).
Required Notice: For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must provide written notice — typically a 3-day notice to pay or vacate — before filing for eviction. For termination of a month-to-month tenancy without cause, the landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-15).
Court Filing: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord files an eviction action in Stutsman County District Court. Both parties may present their case at the hearing. Tenants may raise defenses including improper notice and habitability violations.
Judgment and Removal: If the court rules for the landlord, the tenant will receive a period to vacate. A writ of eviction may be issued and enforced by the Stutsman County Sheriff. Only the sheriff may physically remove the tenant. Contact Legal Services of North Dakota as soon as possible if you receive an eviction notice.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Information reflects North Dakota law as of April 2026 and is subject to change. If you are facing eviction, a security deposit dispute, or another housing issue, consult a licensed North Dakota attorney or contact Legal Services of North Dakota. RentCheckMe is not a law firm and cannot provide legal representation.
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