Landlord and tenant rules in North Dakota

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in North Dakota, mainly from the North Dakota Century Code chapters 47-16 and 47-32. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

1 month's rent (2 months in some cases)¹N.D. Cent. Code 47-16-07.1

A deposit may not be more than one month's rent. Up to two months is allowed for some tenants with a felony conviction or a past judgment for breaking a lease, and a separate pet deposit is allowed.

Deposit return deadline

30 days¹N.D. Cent. Code 47-16-07.1

Within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant moves out, the landlord must send any balance with an itemized list of deductions.

Interest on deposits

Required if occupancy is 9 months or more¹N.D. Cent. Code 47-16-07.1

Deposits must be kept in a federally insured interest-bearing account for the tenant. Interest is not owed if the tenant lived there less than nine months.

Late fees

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

1 calendar month¹N.D. Cent. Code 47-16-15(2)

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with at least one calendar month's written notice given at any time. Rent is due through the end date.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

1 calendar month¹N.D. Cent. Code 47-16-15(2)

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with at least one calendar month's written notice given at any time.

Notice of a rent increase

30 days before the end of the month (month-to-month)¹N.D. Cent. Code 47-16-07

In a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord can change the rent from the end of a month by giving written notice at least 30 days before that month ends.

Statewide rent limits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Landlord entry

Notice and consent, no set period¹N.D. Cent. Code 47-16-07.3

Unless it is impractical, the landlord must give notice and get the tenant's consent for a set time, which may not be unreasonably refused. Emergencies are an exception.

Notice for unpaid rent

3 days²N.D. Cent. Code 47-32-01(4), 47-32-02

If rent is unpaid three days after it is due, the landlord must give three days' written notice of intent to evict before filing.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

N.D. Cent. Code chapter 47-16, Leasing of Real Property, North Dakota Legislative Branchofficial
N.D. Cent. Code chapter 47-32, Eviction, North Dakota Legislative Branchofficial

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.