N.D.C.C. §§ 47-16-01 through 47-16-30.1, 47-16-31 through 47-16-35, 47-16-42 § 47-16-02.1
Rent controls - Prohibited.
Operative Text
47-16-02.1. Rent controls - Prohibited.
A political subdivision may not enact, maintain, or enforce an ordinance or resolution that
would have the effect of controlling the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential or
commercial property. This section does not impair the right of a political subdivision to manage
and control residential property in which the political subdivision has a fee title interest.Section 47-16-02.1 of the North Dakota Century Code prohibits cities, counties, and other local governmental units from passing or enforcing any ordinance or resolution that limits how much rent a landlord may charge for private residential or commercial property. The ban applies to all forms of rent control or rent stabilization at the local level. An exception exists for property that a local government itself owns outright, which it may still manage and regulate as it sees fit.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under N.D.C.C. § 47-16-02.1, no North Dakota city or county has the legal authority to cap the rent a private property owner charges, meaning landlords operating in the state are not subject to local rent control ordinances. Compliant operators generally set and adjust rents according to market conditions and the terms of their lease agreements, without concern that a municipality will impose a rent ceiling. Owners of privately held residential or commercial property can rely on this statewide preemption when evaluating pricing decisions across any North Dakota jurisdiction.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 47-16-02.1 makes clear that no North Dakota municipality can legally impose rent control on privately owned housing, which means tenants in the state do not have a local rent-stabilization board or ordinance to turn to if a landlord raises the rent. Tenants' primary protections regarding rent increases generally come from the terms of their lease agreements and other provisions within N.D.C.C. §§ 47-16-01 through 47-16-35. Renters who believe their rights under a lease or another part of North Dakota landlord-tenant law have been violated may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid service for information about 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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