North Dakota Landlord Entry Notice Rules for Renters

Knowing your privacy rights as a renter in North Dakota is crucial when it comes to your landlord entering your rental unit. State law gives you the right to enjoy your home without unnecessary interruptions. Understanding North Dakota landlord entry notice requirements can help you respond confidently if your landlord needs to enter for repairs, inspections, or showings.

When Can a Landlord Enter Your North Dakota Rental?

North Dakota law regulates when and how a landlord can enter your rental unit. Generally, a landlord may enter for:

• Making necessary repairs or improvements
• Inspecting the premises
• Showing the unit to prospective tenants, buyers, or contractors
• Responding to emergencies

For most non-emergency reasons, your landlord must provide prior notice before entering.

Notice Requirements for Landlord Entry

The North Dakota Century Code Section 47-16-07.3 - Entry of leased premises by lessor specifies how much advance notice your landlord must give you:

• 24 hours' written or verbal notice is required before entering, except in case of emergency.
• Notice must state the intended date and time of entry, and the reason for it.
• Emergency situations (such as fire, flooding, or serious maintenance issue) allow immediate entry without notice.

This means your landlord can’t enter your apartment or rental home with no warning unless there’s a genuine emergency.

How Should You Receive Landlord Entry Notice?

State law does not require a landlord to use a specific form. Notice can be delivered in person, by phone, or in writing—such as an email, text, or letter. Make sure you have a way to keep a record, especially if you wish to dispute unauthorized entries later.

Example: Receiving a 24-Hour Notice

If your landlord needs to show your apartment to a prospective tenant, you should get at least 24 hours' notice—either verbally or in writing—stating August 15 at 3 p.m. as the date and time, and that the reason is “to show the unit to a new renter.”

Your Right to Privacy and What to Do if Entry Rules Are Broken

If your landlord repeatedly enters your rental without proper notice or valid reason, this may violate your right to "quiet enjoyment" of your home. You have options:

• Document every incident with dates, times, and details.
• Communicate calmly with your landlord (preferably in writing) to address your concerns.
• If issues persist, contact the North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection & Antitrust Division for assistance or to file a complaint.

Official Forms for Landlord Entry

• Landlord’s Right of Entry Notice (no official state form): North Dakota does not provide an official entry notice form.
  Landlords often provide a written letter, email, or text, which fulfills legal requirements when it contains the date, time, and reason.
  Example: You receive a text from your landlord stating, “I will be entering your unit on February 8 at 9:00 a.m. to fix the sink.”

How North Dakota Law Protects Renters

All landlord entry and privacy rights are outlined in the North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 47-16. For disputes or additional guidance, renters can contact the North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection office, which oversees landlord-tenant issues.

FAQ: Privacy and Entry in North Dakota Rentals

1. Can my landlord enter without notice for repairs?
   No, unless it is an emergency. Otherwise, your landlord must give you 24 hours' written or verbal notice before entering for repairs.
2. What if my landlord enters without any notice?
   If it is not an emergency, this may violate your rights. Document the incident and calmly communicate with your landlord. If it persists, contact the North Dakota Attorney General’s office.
3. Does my landlord need to use an official entry notice form?
   No official form is required in North Dakota. Notice can be given verbally, by text, email, or letter, as long as it clearly states the date, time, and reason for entry.
4. Who enforces rental privacy laws in North Dakota?
   The North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection & Antitrust Division oversees landlord-tenant disputes.
5. Can I refuse my landlord entry if the notice isn’t proper?
   If you feel the notice is insufficient and it is not an emergency, calmly communicate your concerns. If entry is forced without cause, document the situation and seek assistance.

Summary and Key Takeaways

• Landlords in North Dakota must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering for non-emergencies.
• Notice can be verbal or written, and emergencies are exempt from this rule.
• Keep records and seek help from the North Dakota Attorney General if your rights are repeatedly violated.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Dakota Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Rights (information, complaint process)
• North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 47-16 – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
• North Dakota Department of Human Services – Housing Resources

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1. North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 47-16 Landlord and Tenant Act
2. North Dakota Attorney General – Landlord-Tenant Rights

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