When a renter in North Dakota can’t obtain necessary repairs, before beginning a court case it’s usually possible to file a report with the proper government departments about the unsafe conditions on the property. Code inspectors have the power to order repairs or fine noncompliant landlords.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:
- Plumbing.
- Required utilities.
- Heating.
- Hot water.
- Garbage containers and removal.
- Required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
- Provided appliances.
- Common areas.
- Features that affect health, safety, or habitability.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in North Dakota?
In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in North Dakota must notify the landlord about the issue and ask him to fix it within a reasonable time, as judged by all applicable circumstances.
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in North Dakota?
Tenants in North Dakota should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Fargo | Code Enforcement | Call (701) 241-1561 |
| Bismarck | Building Inspections Division | Call (701) 355-1465 |
| Grand Forks | Inspections Department | Online Form |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Fargo?
A tenant in Fargo can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (701) 241-1561. Be prepared to provide location, a detailed issue description, and contact information. Fargo handles area code enforcement through a variety of agencies, so transfer to another department is common.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Bismarck?
A tenant in Bismarck can report a health or safety violation by calling the Building Inspections Division at (701) 355-1465. Be prepared to provide location, a detailed issue description, and contact information.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Grand Forks?
A tenant in Grand Forks can report a health or safety violation by calling the Inspections Department at (701) 746-2631 or using the provided online form. Most violations will fall under “General Concern.” Describe the location and issue, attach photos if available, and submit. Account registration helps with contact information.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in North Dakota?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in North Dakota, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix noted code violations. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined and the local government might file to condemn the property.
Sources
- 1 N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-13.1(1)(a) - (1)(e) (2021)
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“A landlord of a residential dwelling unit shall: a. Comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety. b. Make all repairs and do whatever is necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition. c. Keep all common areas of the premises in a clean and safe condition. d. Maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including elevators, supplied or required to be supplied by the landlord. e. Provide and maintain appropriate receptacles and conveniences for the removal of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste incidental to the occupancy of the dwelling unit and arrange for their removal.”
Source Link - 2 N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-13.1(1)(f) (2021)
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“A landlord of a residential dwelling unit shall supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times and reasonable heat, except if the building that includes the dwelling unit is not required by law to be equipped for that purpose or if the dwelling unit is so constructed that heat or hot water is generated by an installation within the exclusive control of the tenant and supplied by a direct public utility connection or if the water or heat is unavailable due to supply failure by a public utility.”
Source Link - 3 N.D. Cent. Code § 24.1-06-01-40(1) (2020)
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“Dwelling units, congregate residences, and hotel or lodging house guest rooms that are used for sleeping purposes shall be provided with smoke alarms.”
Source Link - 4 N.D. Cent. Code § 24.1-06-01-40(3) (2020)
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“An approved carbon monoxide alarm shall be installed outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms in dwelling units within which fuel-fired appliances are installed and in dwelling units that have attached garages.”
Source Link - 5 N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-13 (2021)
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“If within a reasonable time after notice from the lessee of dilapidations which the lessor ought to repair the lessor neglects to do so, the lessee may: 1. Repair the premises and deduct the expense of such repair from the rent; 2. Recover it in any other lawful manner from the lessor; or 3. Vacate the premises, in which case the lessee shall be discharged from further payment of rent or performance of other conditions.”
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