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What Is a North Dakota Residential Lease Agreement?

A North Dakota residential lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and tenant for renting a dwelling. North Dakota's deposit statute is unusually detailed—it allows higher deposits for tenants with certain felony convictions, permits a separate elevated pet deposit, requires interest-bearing accounts, and imposes treble damages for unjustified withholding. The state also requires a signed move-in condition statement.

When to Use a Residential Lease in North Dakota

  • Renting a house, apartment, manufactured home, or other dwelling as a primary residence.
  • Establishing a fixed-term or month-to-month tenancy.
  • Documenting the deposit rules, condition statement, and repair obligations.
  • Complying with N.D.C.C. §§ 47-16-01 to 47-16-41.

Key North Dakota Residential Lease Provisions

  • Security Deposit Cap: The general cap is one month's rent. A landlord may collect up to two months' rent from a tenant with a felony conviction or a judgment for violating a prior rental agreement. N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1.
  • Pet Deposit: A separate pet deposit may be up to the greater of $2,500 or two months' rent. § 47-16-07.1.
  • Interest-Bearing Account: The deposit must be held in a federally insured interest-bearing account. Interest need not be paid to the tenant if occupancy was less than nine months. § 47-16-07.1.
  • Deposit Return: The landlord must return the deposit with an itemized statement within 30 days after the tenancy ends. Unjustified withholding exposes the landlord to treble damages. § 47-16-07.1(4).
  • Move-In Condition Statement: The landlord must provide a signed statement describing the condition of the premises at move-in. § 47-16-07.2.
  • Entry Notice: The landlord may enter in emergencies or after giving notice of intent to enter at a specific time. Notice may be personal, posted, or any method resulting in actual notice. § 47-16-07.3.
  • Habitability and Repair: The landlord must maintain the premises in habitable condition. § 47-16-13.1. The tenant may repair and deduct, recover costs, or vacate when the landlord fails to repair after reasonable request. §§ 47-16-13, 47-16-17.
  • Rent Control Preemption: Political subdivisions may not enact rent-control ordinances. § 47-16-02.1.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum security deposit in North Dakota?

One month's rent for most tenants. Up to two months' rent may be collected from a tenant with a felony conviction or a judgment for violating a prior rental agreement. N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1.

Can a North Dakota landlord charge a higher deposit for pets?

Yes. A separate pet deposit may be up to the greater of $2,500 or two months' rent. § 47-16-07.1.

Does a North Dakota landlord have to pay interest on deposits?

The deposit must be in a federally insured interest-bearing account. Interest need not be paid to the tenant if occupancy was less than nine months. § 47-16-07.1.

What happens if a North Dakota landlord wrongfully withholds a deposit?

The tenant may recover treble damages for unjustified withholding. § 47-16-07.1(4).

Does North Dakota have rent control?

No. Political subdivisions are prohibited from enacting rent-control ordinances. § 47-16-02.1.