Landlord laws
North Dakota landlord-tenant law
N.D. Century Code ch. 47-16 (Leasing of Real Property) and ch. 47-32 (Eviction), plus § 14-02.5-02 (official text, ndlegis.gov)
Last verified Oct 2026
General information only. Not legal advice. RentToolkit is not a law firm. Laws and local ordinances change, so check the statute and consult a licensed attorney in your state before acting.
| Topic | Rule (plain English) | Statute | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security deposit cap | A deposit may not exceed 1 month's rent. You may take up to 2 months' rent from a tenant convicted of a felony, or from one with a judgment against them for violating a previous rental agreement. A separate pet deposit may not exceed the greater of $2,500 or 2 months' rent. It can't be charged for a service or companion animal needed as a reasonable accommodation. | N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(1)–(2) | Verified |
| Deposit return deadline | Within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives up possession, deliver or mail to the tenant's last address an itemized statement of deductions, with the refund or the balance still owed. Deductions are limited to damage by the tenant's pet or the negligence of the tenant or a guest, unpaid rent, and cleaning or repairs that were the tenant's responsibility, minus reasonable wear and tear. Withholding without reasonable justification makes you liable for treble damages. | N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(3)–(4) | Verified |
| Deposit holding and interest | Keep the deposit in a federally insured, interest-bearing savings or checking account for the tenant's benefit. Return the deposit with accrued interest when the lease ends. No interest is owed if occupancy lasted less than 9 months. | N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(1), (3) | Verified |
| Late fee cap and grace period | Not specified in state statute. North Dakota statutes set no residential late-fee cap and require no grace period. We checked all of ch. 47-16. You also may not charge a fee for accepting cash, a check, or a money order (47-16-20.1). Note: Late-fee limits, if any, come from the lease and contract case law, not statute. | N.D.C.C. ch. 47-16; § 47-16-20.1 | Not in statute |
| Landlord entry notice | Enter only during reasonable hours and in a reasonable manner, to inspect, repair, provide services or show the unit. Unless it's impractical, first notify the tenant and get consent for a specific time; the tenant may not unreasonably refuse. Consent is presumed if the tenant doesn't object after notice of entry at a specific time. You may enter any time in an emergency, if you reasonably believe the unit is abandoned, or if you reasonably believe the tenant is in substantial violation of the lease. The statute sets no specific number of hours. | N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.3 | Verified |
| Rent increase notice | For a month-to-month tenancy, give written notice of new terms at least 30 days before the end of the month. They take effect at the end of that month if the tenant stays. To enforce an automatic-renewal clause in a lease of 2 months or more, notify the tenant in writing of it at least 30 days before the lease expires. | N.D.C.C. §§ 47-16-07, 47-16-06.1 | Verified |
| Rent control status | Rent control is preempted statewide. A political subdivision may not enact or enforce an ordinance that controls the rent charged for private residential or commercial property. | N.D.C.C. § 47-16-02.1 | Verified |
| Eviction notice: nonpayment | Eviction is available if rent is unpaid 3 days after it is due. Before filing, serve 3 days' written notice of intention to evict. | N.D.C.C. §§ 47-32-01(4), 47-32-02 | Verified |
| Eviction notice: lease violation | Eviction is available if the tenant violates a material term of a written lease. Before filing, serve 3 days' written notice of intention to evict. The statute gives no right to cure. Eviction is also available if the tenant or a guest unreasonably disturbs other tenants' peaceful enjoyment. | N.D.C.C. §§ 47-32-01(7)–(8), 47-32-02 | Verified |
| Required disclosures | When you enter the rental agreement, give the tenant a statement of the unit's condition, signed by both of you (47-16-07.2). To enforce an automatic-renewal clause, give written notice of it at least 30 days before the lease ends (47-16-06.1). For pre-1978 housing, give the federal lead-paint disclosure (40 CFR 745.113). | N.D.C.C. §§ 47-16-07.2, 47-16-06.1; 40 CFR 745.113 | Verified |
| Fair housing beyond federal law | North Dakota adds age, marital status, and receipt of public assistance. Its other classes match federal law. | N.D.C.C. § 14-02.5-02 | Verified |
Last verified Oct 2026 · Sources are official state legislature sites. Federal rules also apply.
Tools for North Dakota landlords
Late fee calculator
Model grace periods and fees.
Open →Prorated rent calculator
Mid-month move-ins.
Open →Rent increase calculator
New rent and annual impact.
Open →General information only. Not legal advice. RentToolkit is not a law firm. Laws and local ordinances change, so check the statute and consult a licensed attorney in your state before acting.