North Dakota Rent Increase Rules During a Lease

If you rent a home or apartment in North Dakota, you may wonder if your landlord can legally raise your rent before your lease ends. Rent increases can be stressful and confusing, especially if you’re in the middle of a fixed-term lease. This article explains North Dakota’s laws on mid-lease rent hikes, your rights as a tenant, and practical steps to take if you get a notice of increased rent.

Can a Landlord Raise Rent During a Lease in North Dakota?

North Dakota law is clear: if you have a fixed-term lease (such as a standard 12-month lease), your landlord cannot raise the rent until the lease expires, unless your lease contract says otherwise. The rent amount and terms are locked in during the life of the lease.

If you are on a month-to-month (periodic) rental agreement, your landlord may increase your rent, but only with written notice at least 30 days in advance before the end of the monthly rental period.

• For a fixed-term lease: No rent increase allowed mid-lease (unless the lease specifically says so)
• For month-to-month rentals: Minimum 30-day written notice before the end of a rental month

These protections are set out under the North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16 (Landlord and Tenant Law)¹.

If You Receive a Rent Increase Notice

If you receive a notice of rent increase while in a fixed-term lease, check your signed lease agreement:

• If the lease does not mention mid-lease increases, you can inform your landlord that North Dakota law prohibits such changes until renewal.
• If you have a month-to-month agreement, confirm that you received written notice at least 30 days in advance.

If you believe your landlord is raising your rent unlawfully during your lease, you have the right to dispute the increase or seek help. Document all communications.

Required Notice for Rent Increases

The minimum notice period in North Dakota for a lawful rent increase is:

• 30 days’ written notice—only applies to month-to-month rentals
• No mid-lease increase for fixed-term tenants

This written notice should specify:

• The amount of the new rent
• The date the increase takes effect

Keep a copy of all notices and correspondence for your records.

Relevant Official Forms for Tenants

• Notice of Rent Increase (no official state-numbered form):
  • Use: Given by the landlord to tenant to provide written 30-day notice of rent increase in a month-to-month tenancy.
  • Practical Example: You have been renting month-to-month for several months. Your landlord gives you a written notice in person or by mail that your rent will go up starting next month. This written statement is your “notice of rent increase.”
  • Where to get it: North Dakota does not have a state-issued template, but sample notice guidelines are outlined by the North Dakota Attorney General’s Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Manual (page 6).
• Complaint Form for Housing Issues:
  • Use: Tenants may file a written complaint if they believe their landlord is violating rental laws, including improper rent increases.
  • Practical Example: After receiving an unlawful rent increase mid-lease, you file a complaint with the North Dakota Office of the Attorney General.
  • Where to get it: The official complaint instructions and form are available at the North Dakota Consumer Complaint page.

Who Handles Rental Disputes in North Dakota?

Residential tenancy disputes (including rent increase disputes) in North Dakota are generally handled through the North Dakota Attorney General's Consumer Protection and Landlord-Tenant Division². For legal actions (such as eviction or breach of lease), cases are heard by North Dakota state district courts. The Attorney General’s office provides guidance, complaint processing, and resources for renters.

Your Rights Under North Dakota Law

The primary law governing rental agreements in North Dakota is the North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16. This law clearly protects tenants from mid-lease rent increases unless the agreement specifically allows it.

• Landlords must give proper notice for any changes in rent (30 days for periodic tenancies)
• Tenants are not required to accept an unlawful increase. You may report such actions or seek legal advice

FAQ: North Dakota Rent Increases

1. Can my landlord raise the rent before my lease is up in North Dakota?
   No, if you have a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be increased until your lease ends unless your lease contract allows it.
2. How much notice is required for a rent increase in a month-to-month agreement?
   Landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before the increase takes effect.
3. What should I do if I get an illegal rent increase notice?
   Review your lease, communicate in writing with your landlord stating North Dakota law, and consider filing a complaint with the Attorney General’s office.
4. Does North Dakota have rent control?
   No, North Dakota does not have statewide rent control, but it does limit when and how rent can be increased.
5. Where do I file a complaint about rent increases?
   You can contact the North Dakota Attorney General’s Landlord-Tenant Division for guidance and to file a complaint.

Key Takeaways for North Dakota Renters

• Landlords cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless the lease states otherwise.
• Month-to-month tenants must get at least 30 days’ written notice of a rent increase.
• If you receive a rent hike that seems unlawful, review your lease and contact the Attorney General’s office.

Understanding your rights gives you better protection and confidence as a renter in North Dakota.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Dakota Attorney General — Landlord-Tenant Rights
• ND Landlord and Tenant Rights and Responsibilities Manual (PDF)
• Submit a Consumer Complaint (Official Form)
• Legal aid and referral: Legal Services of North Dakota

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1. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16: Landlord and Tenant Law
2. North Dakota Attorney General — Landlord-Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

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