North Dakota Rules for Emergency Maintenance Hotlines

Emergencies in rental housing don’t always occur during business hours. As a renter in North Dakota, it’s important to know what legal protections exist if you experience an urgent issue—such as a burst pipe or loss of heat—at night or on weekends. This guide explains North Dakota’s requirements for after-hours emergency maintenance hotlines, your landlord’s obligations, and what actions you can take if you face an emergency.

What Is an Emergency Maintenance Hotline?

An emergency maintenance hotline is a phone number or service provided by a landlord or property manager for tenants to report urgent issues that cannot wait for regular office hours. Typical emergencies may include:

• No heat during winter
• Major plumbing or water leaks
• Broken locks threatening safety
• Electrical outages compromising health or safety

Prompt attention to these issues is critical for renter safety and to prevent property damage.

Are Emergency Maintenance Hotlines Required in North Dakota?

In North Dakota, state law does not specifically require landlords to offer a dedicated after-hours emergency maintenance hotline. However, landlords are legally required to maintain rental units in a habitable condition under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16, including timely repairs to keep the property safe and livable.^[1]

While an official hotline isn't mandated, many professional property managers voluntarily provide emergency contact numbers. If your lease agreement promises a hotline or specific response time for emergencies, your landlord must follow those terms.

How to Report an Emergency

If your building does provide an emergency hotline number, use it for urgent situations only. If not:

• Contact your landlord or property manager using their phone number, email, or other method described in your lease.
• Document the issue and when you reported it (keep emails, take photos, or write down details).
• If you cannot reach them and the issue is hazardous, you may need to take temporary measures to protect safety and property.

Landlord Obligations for Emergency Repairs

Under North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16, landlords must keep rental units fit for occupancy, repair essential services, and comply with building codes that affect health and safety.^[1] If a repair affects your health, safety, or habitability, the landlord must address it within a reasonable timeframe—even after business hours.

What If a Landlord Is Not Responding?

If your landlord ignores emergency repair requests or you cannot contact them outside office hours, you have several options:

• Send a written notice describing the emergency—email or certified mail is best for proof.
• Contact local code enforcement or housing inspectors if there is a dangerous condition.
• If the landlord fails to act, you may have a right to repair and deduct urgent costs, but only follow this after careful review of state law and if the repairs are necessary.^[1]

Filing a Complaint or Seeking Help

If escalation is needed, the North Dakota Office of Attorney General, Consumer Protection Division accepts complaints regarding landlord-tenant disputes.

Official complaint forms:

• Consumer Complaint Form (no number assigned)
  When to use: Use this form to formally report issues if your landlord does not respond to repeated requests for emergency repairs.
  How: Complete the form and attach supporting documents (emails, photos, lease agreement), then submit via mail or online.
  Download the Consumer Complaint Form (PDF)

The appropriate tribunal for rental disputes in North Dakota is your local District Court.

FAQ: Emergency Maintenance and Hotlines in North Dakota

1. Are landlords required by law to have a 24/7 emergency hotline in North Dakota?
   No, North Dakota law does not require landlords to provide a dedicated emergency hotline, but they must respond to urgent repairs affecting health or safety.
2. What should I do if I have an after-hours emergency and no hotline is provided?
   Contact your landlord by all available means, document your efforts, and if the situation is hazardous, consider contacting local authorities for urgent safety concerns.
3. What issues are considered emergencies for maintenance?
   Emergencies typically include loss of heat in winter, major leaks, broken security locks, or outages that endanger health or safety.
4. Can I withhold rent if my landlord does not handle an emergency repair?
   North Dakota law does not automatically allow withholding rent. Speak with the Consumer Protection Division or seek legal advice first.
5. How do I file a formal complaint against a non-responsive landlord?
   Download, complete, and submit the Consumer Complaint Form to the Attorney General’s Office, including all supporting documentation.

Key Takeaways: Emergency Maintenance Rights

• Landlords in North Dakota must address emergency repairs that impact habitability, but there’s no legal requirement for an after-hours hotline.
• Document and report urgent issues right away and keep proof of communication.
• If emergency repairs are ignored, you can file a complaint with the North Dakota Attorney General’s Consumer Protection office or contact your local District Court.

Knowing your rights helps you stay safe and resolve emergencies more confidently as a renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Dakota Landlord Tenant Rights (Attorney General)
• Consumer Protection Division – Landlord/Tenant Complaints – File and track complaints online or by mail.
• Find Your Local District Court – Tribunal for tenant-landlord disputes.
• North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16 – Landlord and Tenant Law
• Legal Services of North Dakota – Free or low-cost legal help for tenants.

---

1. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16 – Landlord and Tenant Act
2. ND Attorney General: Landlord Tenant Rights
3. North Dakota Consumer Complaint Form

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations