Rent increases in North Dakota

For a month-to-month lease, the landlord may change the rent by written notice given at least 30 days before the month ends; the new rent takes effect at the end of the month if the tenant stays. Notice may be served in any reasonable manner that actually informs the tenant. (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07)

• The notice must be in writing.
• The change can only start at the end of a rental period (on a rent day).

Earliest date the new rent can start, with rent due on the 1st, worked out from the North Dakota rule above:

• For a month-to-month tenant of 1 year raising rent 5% or a month-to-month tenant of 3 years raising rent 12%: Friday, January 1, 2027

No North Dakota statute addresses raising rent during a fixed-term lease; § 47-16-07 covers month-to-month leases. (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07)

A political subdivision may not enact, maintain or enforce an ordinance that would control the rent charged for private residential or commercial property. (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-02.1)

No general North Dakota statute bars retaliatory rent increases. The only rule is that a landlord may not retaliate in renting because a tenant used the domestic-violence lease-termination right. (N.D.C.C. § 47-16-17.1(10))

• After a notice changing terms under § 47-16-07, the tenant may end the lease at the end of the month with at least 25 days' notice (§ 47-16-15(3)).
• A lessor may not enforce an automatic-renewal clause (leases of 2 months or more) without 30 days' written notice before expiration (§ 47-16-06.1).

Security deposit

One month's rent, however labeled. Up to 2 months' rent is allowed from a tenant convicted of a felony, or one with a judgment for violating a prior rental agreement. A separate pet deposit may be up to $2,500 or 2 months' rent, whichever is greater (not for service or assistance animals). Return deadline: 30 days after the tenant gives up the unit.

Tenant's notice to move out

1 month (Unless the parties agreed in writing to a longer notice or a different notice time); 1 month, ending with a rental period (Tenancy converted from a lease under 47-16-06 or 47-16-06.1)

Notice for unpaid rent

3 days (pay or move out)

How a written notice is delivered (eviction-notice rules)

The notice may be served and returned the way a summons is served (personal delivery by the sheriff or a non-party adult 18+, including to a person of suitable age at the home; at least one attempt between 6 and 10 p.m.), or, if the tenant cannot be found, posted conspicuously on the premises by the sheriff or a process server (N.D.C.C. § 47-32-02; ND Legal Self Help Center).

Notice for other lease violations

3 days (notice to vacate, no right to fix)

Small claims court limit

$15,000 — where most deposit and rent disputes are filed.

Repairs

Time to repair: A reasonable time. Repair and deduct: allowed; withholding rent: not allowed.

Deposit kept wrongly

A landlord who withholds deposit money without reasonable justification owes treble damages (§ 47-16-07.1(4)).

Lawful reasons to end a lease early

Domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking; Military service (state law); Unit unlivable or landlord fails to repair; Other

• N.D.C.C. ch. 47-16 Retrieved October 15, 2026.

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 15, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; for a dispute, contact your state's legal aid. See our methodology.