Fargo, ND Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum temp
- 68°F in habitable rooms
- Heat season
- Sept 15 – June 1
- Code basis
- 2024 IPMC adopted by reference
- Enforcer
- Fargo Inspections Department
- Old-building exception
- Building official's discretion
Summary
Fargo landlords who supply heat under a lease must maintain at least 68°F in habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms every year from September 15 through June 1.
Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat during the period from September 15 to June 1 to maintain a minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms.
Exception: In older structures where the original design of the heating system operating at full capacity is unable to achieve the minimum temperature required, in the discretion of the building official, the system may be deemed adequate.
Full Breakdown
Fargo Municipal Code § 31-0102, which amends the city's adopted 2024 International Property Maintenance Code, requires every owner or operator who rents, leases, or lets a dwelling unit or sleeping unit, expressly or by implication agreeing to furnish heat, to supply heat from September 15 to June 1 sufficient to maintain a minimum of 68°F in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms. An exception allows the building official to deem an older building's heating system adequate if it can't reach that temperature even at full capacity. Fargo's Inspections Department, created under § 31-0101/§ 103.1, enforces the Property Maintenance Code citywide, including the city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
Violations & Fines
Fargo's Inspections Department (code official) enforces the Property Maintenance Code; unremedied heat violations fall under the city's default penalty schedule, Class B misdemeanor (up to $1,500 fine, 30 days) or infraction, per § 1-0301.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my Fargo landlord have to provide heat?
Are older Fargo rentals exempt from the 68°F rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fargo
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