Landlord Rules in North Dakota: Renting Out Property (2026)

Reviewed by DocDraft Legal Team · North Dakota · Last updated 2026-05-18

Letting residential property in North Dakota is a statute-driven exercise. North Dakota law sets the deposit return clock (30 days) and the entry-notice minimum (Reasonable notice) explicitly. What follows is the North Dakota-specific landlord compliance sequence, from before move-in through after the tenancy ends.

Key Considerations

North Dakota treats unit access and month-to-month termination as separate notice problems. On access: Reasonable notice On termination of a periodic tenancy: one calendar month

Two compliance levers shape the front end of any North Dakota tenancy. Registration or rental-license requirements come first. No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable. Security-deposit caps and refund timing come second. one month's rent On returns, 30 days

Eviction in North Dakota is a formal court process, not a self-help option. An action of eviction is maintainable when a lessee holds over after the termination of the lease, fails to pay rent for three days after it is due, or violates a material term of the written lease, among other reasons. In many cases, a three days' written notice of intention to evict must be given to the lessee before proceedings can be instituted. The summons for the court appearance must specify a time not less than three nor more than fifteen days from the date it is issued. Layered over the whole tenancy is fair-housing compliance. Discrimination complaints are filed

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Residential Lease Agreement Rental Application Form Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

Relevant Documents

Forms used in a North Dakota tenancy are not generic. The lease must carry North Dakota's required disclosures; the entry notice must match the statutory minimum; the deposit-return packet must follow the statutory itemization rule; and the eviction notice must use the format the North Dakota court accepts.

Landlord's Rules and Regulations

A supplementary document to the lease that outlines specific rules for the property, such as quiet hours, guest policies, and maintenance responsibilities.

Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist

A document that records the condition of the rental property before the tenant moves in and after they move out, which helps determine if any damage occurred during the tenancy.

Notice of Entry Form

A document used by landlords to notify tenants of their intent to enter the rental property, typically required by state law with specific advance notice periods.

Rental Application Form

A form used to collect information about potential tenants, including employment history, income, references, and authorization for background and credit checks.

Residential Lease Agreement

A legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant that outlines the terms and conditions of the rental arrangement, including rent amount, security deposit, lease duration, and other important provisions.

Security Deposit Receipt

A document acknowledging the landlord's receipt of the security deposit, including the amount, date received, and where the deposit will be held.

Relevant Laws

North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16 (Leasing of Real Property)

This is the primary statute governing landlord-tenant relationships in North Dakota. It covers essential aspects of rental agreements, security deposits, landlord obligations, and tenant rights. Property owners must understand these laws before renting out their property to ensure compliance with state regulations.

North Dakota Security Deposit Limits and Return (N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1)

North Dakota law limits security deposits to one month's rent for unfurnished units and limits the time landlords have to return deposits (30 days after termination of the lease). Property owners must provide an itemized list of deductions if withholding any portion of the deposit.

North Dakota Landlord's Duty to Maintain Premises (N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-13.1)

Property owners in North Dakota must maintain their rental properties in a fit and habitable condition, including maintaining electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, and air-conditioning systems. This law outlines the landlord's repair and maintenance responsibilities.

North Dakota Eviction Laws (N.D. Cent. Code § 47-32)

This statute outlines the legal process for evicting tenants in North Dakota. Property owners must follow specific procedures and notice requirements before removing a tenant, even for non-payment of rent or lease violations.

North Dakota Fair Housing Act (N.D. Cent. Code § 14-02.5)

This law prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, familial status, national origin, or marital status. Property owners must understand fair housing requirements to avoid discrimination claims when advertising, selecting tenants, or managing rental properties.

North Dakota Required Landlord Disclosures (N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.2)

Property owners in North Dakota must disclose certain information to tenants, including the identity of anyone authorized to manage the property and receive notices. This law ensures tenants know who to contact for maintenance issues or legal notices.

North Dakota Quiet Enjoyment Laws (N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-08)

This statute establishes the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment of the rental property. Property owners must understand access limitations and notice requirements before entering a tenant's unit, except in emergencies.

Regional Variances

Major Cities in North Dakota

Fargo has additional rental property regulations including mandatory rental registration and inspection programs. Landlords must register their rental properties with the city and undergo periodic inspections. Fargo also has specific noise ordinances and occupancy limits that may affect rental agreements.

As the state capital, Bismarck enforces stricter building code compliance for rental properties. Landlords must obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before renting out properties. The city also has specific requirements for smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire safety measures.

Grand Forks has implemented a rental licensing program requiring all rental properties to be licensed with the city. The city also has specific regulations regarding student housing due to the presence of the University of North Dakota, including parking restrictions and occupancy limits in neighborhoods near campus.

Minot has unique flood zone considerations due to past flooding events. Landlords in designated flood zones must disclose this information to tenants and may face additional insurance requirements. The city also has specific regulations for properties near Minot Air Force Base.

Rural Areas and Counties

Due to oil industry activity, Williams County has specific regulations for workforce housing and temporary accommodations. Short-term rentals face different requirements than traditional long-term leases, including potential commercial zoning requirements.

Outside of Fargo city limits but within Cass County, rental properties may be subject to different inspection requirements and property tax assessments. The county has specific regulations regarding agricultural land that is partially used for rental housing.

Rental properties on or near tribal lands (such as the Fort Berthold, Standing Rock, or Turtle Mountain reservations) may be subject to tribal jurisdiction and regulations in addition to or instead of state laws. Consultation with tribal authorities is recommended before establishing rental agreements in these areas.

Communities along the Minnesota or Montana borders may have special considerations for landlords who own properties in multiple states. Different tax reporting requirements and potential dual licensing may be necessary for landlords operating across state lines.

Suggested Compliance Checklist

Audit state and city registration rules for the property's location

Before listing days after starting

No state-level statute. Governed by common law / municipal ordinance / case law as applicable.

Set the security deposit within the statutory cap and hold the funds correctly

Before signing days after starting

one month's rent

Bundle the mandatory disclosures into the lease packet

At lease signing days after starting

A landlord shall provide the tenant with a statement describing the condition of the facilities in and about the premises to be rented at the time of entering a rental agreement. The statement shall be agreed to and signed by the landlord and tenant.

Send written entry notice for every routine visit to the unit

Ongoing days after starting

Reasonable notice

Run month-to-month terminations through the statutory notice rule

As needed days after starting

one calendar month

Document: lease-termination-letter

Route any eviction through the required pre-suit notice and court filing

At move-out days after starting

An action of eviction is maintainable when a lessee holds over after the termination of the lease, fails to pay rent for three days after it is due, or violates a material term of the written lease, among other reasons. In many cases, a three days' written notice of intention to evict must be given to the lessee before proceedings can be instituted. The summons for the court appearance must specify a time not less than three nor more than fifteen days from the date it is issued.

Finalize the deposit accounting and refund on the legal deadline

If eviction needed days after starting

30 days

Audit advertising, screening criteria, and adverse decisions for fair-housing exposure