North Dakota Emergency Lighting Rules for Renters

Emergency exit lighting in North Dakota rental properties plays a vital role in tenant safety. For renters, knowing the standards for emergency lights—and what to do if they aren’t working—can help you stay protected and assert your rights if issues arise. This guide explains key rules, legislative protections, and how to address problems with emergency exit lighting in apartments and rental homes across the state.

What Are Emergency Exit Lighting Standards in North Dakota?

Emergency exit lighting ensures tenants can safely find exits during power outages, fires, or emergencies. North Dakota follows the North Dakota State Building Code, which incorporates the International Building Code (IBC) and International Fire Code (IFC) for residential safety. These codes require:

• Working emergency lights in all indoor public areas, such as hallways and stairs, for most multi-unit (apartment) buildings
• Exit signs with visible, illuminated lettering at exit doors
• Battery backup or generator-powered lighting to keep exits lit during power loss
• Routine maintenance and testing of lighting systems by landlords

Single-family or duplex rentals may have different requirements, but multi-unit residential buildings must comply strictly for tenant safety.

Landlord Responsibilities

• Install and maintain all required emergency lighting and exit signs
• Repair faulty or non-working lights promptly when notified
• Comply with the North Dakota Century Code and local ordinances regarding life safety

If these protections are missing or neglected, the unit may be considered uninhabitable under state law.

Tenant Rights and What to Do If Lighting Fails

Tenants have a right to safe, code-compliant premises. If you notice broken exit lights or signs:

• Alert your landlord in writing right away and keep a copy for your records
• If nothing is fixed within a reasonable time, you can file a complaint with your local building authority
• If the issue remains unresolved, consider seeking assistance from the North Dakota Attorney General's Consumer Protection and Landlord-Tenant Unit

Tip: Document problems by taking photos and logging dates. This evidence may be needed for complaints or legal action.

How to Report a Violation

Most lighting complaints start at the State Fire Marshal’s Office or your city’s building inspector. If you're in a city with its own inspection office, contact them first. For general safety, renters can also contact the North Dakota Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Rights division for guidance.

Relevant Forms and How to Use Them

• Landlord Complaint Form (North Dakota Attorney General’s Landlord Tenant Complaint): Use this if your landlord does not address safety issues like missing or malfunctioning exit lighting. Fill it out, attach copies of communications, and submit it by mail or email as instructed on the form.

Upon submitting, you'll be contacted if further investigation or mediation is needed, and your complaint may become part of an official record.

Tribunal Handling Tenant-Landlord Disputes

Disputes about repairs or unaddressed hazards (like exit lighting) are handled through the North Dakota Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Unit. For unresolved safety concerns, renters may also bring issues to their local housing or small claims court for resolution.

Legislation Protecting Tenants

Your rights as a renter are outlined under the North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16 - Landlord and Tenant. Section 47-16-13.1 requires landlords to keep rental units in a condition fit for human habitation and comply with applicable building codes, including emergency lighting and fire safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What buildings in North Dakota require emergency exit lighting?
   Most apartment buildings and multi-unit rentals must have emergency lights and exit signs by law. Single-family homes usually do not unless required by local code.
2. Can I withhold rent if my exit lights are broken?
   No, North Dakota law does not allow rent withholding for repairs. However, you can file complaints and request mediation for unresolved safety issues.
3. Who do I report malfunctioning emergency lighting to?
   You should first notify your landlord in writing. If there’s no response, contact your city’s building inspection office or the North Dakota Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Unit.
4. What’s the timeline for repairs to emergency lighting in rentals?
   Landlords must make repairs within a "reasonable" time after notice—typically interpreted as within a few days, especially for safety hazards.
5. Where can I find the official complaint form for lighting issues?
   You can access the Landlord Tenant Complaint Form on the North Dakota Attorney General’s website.

Key Takeaways for North Dakota Renters

• Most multi-unit rentals must have working emergency exit lighting and signs
• Always notify your landlord in writing if you spot a safety issue
• Use the official complaint form if your landlord does not respond to dangerous conditions

Knowing your rights and local procedures empowers you to maintain a safe home environment.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Dakota Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Rights Division: Official guidance, complaint forms, and legal information
• North Dakota State Fire Marshal: Safety code enforcement and complaint intake
• Local city building inspection offices: Search your city website for "building inspections" or "code enforcement"
• North Dakota Courts - Landlord/Tenant Legal Self Help: Legal steps, forms, and dispute resolution options

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1. North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 47-16 - Landlord and Tenant
2. North Dakota State Building Code
3. Landlord Tenant Complaint Form – North Dakota Attorney General
4. North Dakota Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Rights

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