North Dakota Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

North Dakota has no rent control. The state's landlord-tenant law provides fewer tenant protections than most states — there is no separate security deposit statute, and habitability remedies are limited. Your lease terms and local housing codes are your primary recourse.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

North Dakota at a Glance

Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: North Dakota has no rent control law and no city has enacted one. North Dakota's landlord-tenant law (N.D.C.C. § 47-16) is minimal in tenant protections.

What Protections North Dakota Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, North Dakota law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

North Dakota caps security deposits at 1 month's rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days with an itemized statement. If they fail, you may recover the full deposit plus damages (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-15).

Habitability

North Dakota recognizes an implied warranty of habitability, though tenant remedies are limited in statute. File a complaint with city code enforcement for serious habitability violations.

Eviction Process

Landlords must provide written notice and file for eviction in 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 you're being retaliated against.

Major Cities in North Dakota

Fargo — No rent control; North Dakota state law applies.
Bismarck — No rent control; North Dakota state law applies.
Grand Forks — No rent control; North Dakota state law applies.

North Dakota Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to North Dakota renters:

Legal Services of North Dakota — Free civil legal aid for low-income North Dakotans statewide, including housing and eviction defense.
State Bar Association of North Dakota – Lawyer Referral — Referral service for tenants seeking an attorney for landlord-tenant disputes.

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