N.D.C.C. §§ 14-02.5-01 through 14-02.5-46 § 14-02.5-01
Definitions.
Operative Text
14-02.5-01. Definitions.
The definitions in section 14-02.4-02 may be used to supplement the definitions in this
chapter. In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. "Aggrieved person" includes any person who claims to have been injured by a
discriminatory housing practice or believes that the person will be injured by a
discriminatory housing practice that is about to occur.
2. "Complainant" means a person, including the department, that files a complaint under
section 14-02.5-18.
3. "Conciliation" means the informal negotiations among an aggrieved person, the
respondent, and the department to resolve issues raised by a complaint or by the
investigation of the complaint.
4. "Conciliation agreement" means a written agreement resolving the issues in
conciliation.
5. "Department" means the department of labor and human rights.
6. "Disability" means a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits at least one
major life activity, a record of this impairment, or being regarded as having this
impairment. The term does not include current illegal use or addiction to any drug or
illegal or federally controlled substance and does not apply to an individual because of
an individual's sexual orientation or because that individual is a transvestite.
7. "Discriminatory housing practice" means an act prohibited by sections 14-02.5-02
through 14-02.5-08 or conduct that is an offense under section 14-02.5-45.
8. "Dwelling" means any structure or part of a structure that is occupied as, or designed
or intended for occupancy as, a residence by one or more families or vacant land that
is offered for sale or lease for the construction or location of a structure or part of a
structure as previously described.
9. "Familial status" means one or more minors being domiciled with a parent or another
person having legal custody of the minor or minors; or the designee of the parent or
other person having such custody with the written permission of the parent or other
person. The protections afforded against discrimination on the basis of familial status
apply to any person who is pregnant or is in the process of securing legal custody of
any minor.
10. "Family" includes a single individual.
11. "Respondent" means a person accused of a violation of this chapter in a complaint of
discriminatory housing practice or a person identified as an additional or substitute
respondent under section 14-02.5-21 or an agent of an additional or substitute
respondent.
12. "To rent" includes to lease, sublease, or let, or to grant in any other manner, for a
consideration, the right to occupy premises not owned by the occupant.North Dakota Century Code §§ 14-02.5-01 through 14-02.5-46 establishes the foundational vocabulary for the state's fair housing law. Key terms defined here — including 'dwelling,' 'discriminatory housing practice,' 'disability,' 'familial status,' and 'to rent' — set the boundaries of who and what is covered throughout the entire chapter. These definitions determine which people, properties, and transactions fall within the law's protections and prohibitions.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.D.C.C. § 14-02.5-01, the term 'to rent' is defined broadly to encompass leasing, subleasing, letting, or any other arrangement granting occupancy rights for consideration — meaning the chapter's fair housing requirements apply across a wide range of rental arrangements, not just standard leases. Compliant operators generally familiarize themselves with the full set of definitions, including 'familial status' and 'disability,' to understand which tenant characteristics are protected and which properties qualify as 'dwellings' under the law. Understanding these definitions helps operators apply consistent, lawful practices across all housing transactions covered by §§ 14-02.5-01 through 14-02.5-46.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
N.D.C.C. § 14-02.5-01 defines who qualifies as an 'aggrieved person' broadly — including anyone who believes they have been or are about to be harmed by a discriminatory housing practice — which shapes who may bring a complaint under the chapter. The definitions of 'disability' and 'familial status' in this section outline protected characteristics that the law covers, such as physical or mental impairments that substantially limit a major life activity, or households that include minors. Tenants who believe they have experienced a discriminatory housing practice may explore filing a complaint with the North Dakota Department of Labor and Human Rights, as referenced in § 14-02.5-01(5), or consult a tenant-rights organization to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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