North Dakota Landlord Disclosure Rules for Renters

If you're moving into a rental home or apartment in North Dakota, you have specific rights designed to help you make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises. State law requires landlords to give renters certain disclosures before, and sometimes at, move-in. Understanding these requirements can help you ensure your rental experience gets off to the right start, and that you know where to turn if there are issues.

What Disclosures Must North Dakota Landlords Provide?

Landlords in North Dakota have several key obligations to inform renters about property conditions, the parties involved, and any known safety concerns. The main landlord disclosure requirements include:

• Name and Address of Owner/Manager: Before you move in or sign the rental agreement, your landlord must supply the name and street address of the owner or property manager authorized to receive legal notices, manage the property, and accept rent payments. This helps ensure you always know who to contact about repairs or issues.
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for homes built before 1978): Federal law requires landlords to notify renters if a property was built before 1978. You must receive an official notice about any known lead-based paint or hazards and a copy of the EPA's booklet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home". Learn about federal lead disclosure requirements.
• Move-In Inspection Statement (if collecting a security deposit): When your landlord collects a security deposit, they must provide a written statement describing the condition of the property. You have the right to add comments about the condition of the home and sign the document.
• Notice of Pending Foreclosure (if relevant): If the property is in foreclosure, a landlord may be obligated to notify current and prospective tenants. There is no explicit North Dakota statute covering this, but federal law may apply.

Most other standard disclosures required in some states, such as bed bug or mold information, are not specifically covered under North Dakota law.

Key Documents and Official Forms in North Dakota

While North Dakota does not have a comprehensive statewide official lease disclosure form, a few key standardized documents or statements are important for your move-in rights:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form (EPA Form):
  • When used: For any rental built before 1978, before move-in or lease signing.
  • Practical example: You're offered a rental built in 1975. The landlord must give you the Lead Paint Disclosure Form and pamphlet. You and the landlord both sign this form.
  • See official EPA lead disclosure forms.
• Move-In/Move-Out Inspection Checklist:
  • When used: Any time a security deposit is collected.
  • Practical example: Upon paying a security deposit, you and your landlord review the apartment's condition together using a written statement or checklist. You have the right to make additional notes.
  • Some landlords use their own move-in inspection forms, so ask to see and keep a copy.

Always read the lease and any disclosures carefully before signing, and ask for copies of all documents for your records.

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Understanding North Dakota's Rental Law

The main law covering landlord-tenant relationships in North Dakota is the North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16: Leases of Real Property. This legislation explains all legal duties for landlords and tenants, including move-in disclosures, handling deposits, and notices for repairs or lease ending.¹

There are both statewide protections and some federally mandated disclosures, especially around environmental hazards.

Who Oversees Rental Housing Issues?

North Dakota does not have a specialized landlord-tenant tribunal or board. Instead, disputes often go to the North Dakota Courts through the local District Court system. For rental issues such as failure to provide a required disclosure or deposit disputes, renters typically file claims in civil court.

What Should Renters Do if Required Disclosures Are Not Provided?

If your landlord does not give you the necessary disclosures (for example, the lead paint form or the written inspection checklist when you pay a deposit), take these steps:

• Request the required disclosure in writing and keep a copy of your request.
• If the landlord refuses, consider contacting the North Dakota Attorney General's Office for advice.
• In some cases, you may file a complaint in local Small Claims or District Court, especially to recover a security deposit or resolve disputes.

It is your right to receive all required legal information before and at move-in. For more about your rights as a tenant, see the state's North Dakota Tenant Rights Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What disclosures must my landlord give me before I move in?
   Landlords must provide the name and address of the owner or manager, any required federal lead paint disclosures (for pre-1978 properties), and a written move-in condition statement if taking a security deposit.
2. Do I have to sign a move-in inspection checklist?
   No, but you should, as it protects your interests regarding the condition of the property and potential deductions from your security deposit at move-out.
3. Is my landlord required to tell me about previous water damage or mold?
   Unlike some states, North Dakota does not specifically require landlords to disclose previous water damage or mold unless it presents a known health hazard that substantially affects the premises.
4. Who can I contact if my landlord refuses to provide required disclosures?
   You can contact the North Dakota Attorney General's Office for information or consider seeking remedy through the District Court system.
5. Does North Dakota require a carbon monoxide or smoke detector disclosure?
   No specific disclosure is required, but landlords are generally responsible for compliance with local building and safety codes.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for North Dakota Renters

• Before moving in, expect disclosures about ownership, lead paint (if relevant), and, if paying a deposit, a move-in condition inspection.
• Always keep copies of all documents and written inspections provided.
• If you are missing any required information, seek support or legal guidance early.

Knowing your rights about required landlord disclosures helps ensure a transparent and safe rental experience.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Dakota Attorney General's Office – Renters' Rights: Clear guides and complaint resources
• North Dakota Courts: For filing claims or tenant-landlord cases
• HUD: North Dakota Tenant Rights: Federal resources and housing support
• EPA: Lead Hazard Information

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1. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16: Leases of Real Property
2. EPA: Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Requirements
3. North Dakota Attorney General Tenant Rights

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