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North Dakota Statewide Rule

North Dakota Eviction Procedure Statewide Standard

Few RestrictionsApplies statewide across North Dakota (2026)

Key Facts

Statute
N.D.C.C. ch. 47-32
Nonpayment notice
3 days to evict (47-32-02)
Month-to-month notice
One calendar month, no cause
Just cause required
No
Self-help
Not permitted
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: North Dakota Legislative Branch

Summary

North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-32 governs eviction actions uniformly statewide. North Dakota does not require just cause for non-renewal; a landlord may end a month-to-month tenancy with at least one calendar month's written notice under N.D.C.C. 47-16-15.

An action of eviction to recover the possession of real estate is maintainable in the proper district court when: 1. A party, by force, intimidation, fraud, or stealth, has entered upon the prior actual possession of real property of another and detains the same. 2. A party, after peaceably entering upon real property, turns out by force, threats, or menacing conduct the party in possession. 3. A party, by force or by menaces and threats of violence, unlawfully holds and keeps the possession of any real property, whether the possession was acquired peaceably or otherwise. 4. A lessee, in person or by subtenant, holds over after the termination of the lease or expiration of the lessee's term, or fails to pay rent for three days after the rent is due.

Source: North Dakota Legislative BranchView official code

Full Breakdown

Eviction procedures in North Dakota are governed by N.D.C.C. chapter 47-32 and apply uniformly statewide. Grounds for eviction, including nonpayment of rent three days after it is due, are set in N.D.C.C. 47-32-01, and N.D.C.C. 47-32-02 requires three days' written notice of intention to evict before an action is filed. Month-to-month tenancies may be terminated by either party with at least one calendar month's written notice under N.D.C.C. 47-16-15, without stating cause. North Dakota has no just-cause eviction statute, and eviction is a court process - self-help lockouts and utility shutoffs are not permitted.

Violations & Penalties

Self-help eviction is not allowed. A landlord who uses lockouts or utility shutoffs instead of the court process risks dismissal and liability; possession must be recovered through a district-court eviction action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does North Dakota require just cause to evict a tenant?
No. North Dakota does not require a landlord to state a reason to end a month-to-month tenancy with one calendar month's written notice. Cause matters only for ending a fixed-term lease early.
How long is the notice for nonpayment of rent?
Three days. Under N.D.C.C. 47-32-02, a landlord must serve three days' written notice of intention to evict before filing for nonpayment of rent or a material lease breach.

Sources

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