Does North Dakota require just cause to evict a tenant?

No. North Dakota law does not require landlords to state a reason when terminating a month-to-month tenancy with 30 days notice. Just cause is only relevant for terminating fixed-term leases early.

How long is the notice for nonpayment of rent?

Three days. Under N.D.C.C. 47-32-01, landlords must serve a written three-day notice to quit before filing an eviction action for nonpayment of rent or other material lease breaches.

North Dakota Just Cause Eviction Law (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: N.D.C.C. ch. 47-32
Nonpayment notice: 3 days to quit
Month-to-month notice: 30 days, no cause
Just cause required: No
Self-help banned: Yes, treble damages

Source: North Dakota Legislative Branch

Full Breakdown

Eviction (called summary eviction) procedures in North Dakota are governed by N.D.C.C. ch. 47-32 and apply uniformly across the state. Landlords must serve a three-day notice to quit for nonpayment of rent or material lease violations under N.D.C.C. 47-32-01. Month-to-month tenancies may be terminated by either party with 30 days written notice under N.D.C.C. 47-16-15, without stating cause. North Dakota does not have a just-cause eviction statute, and the state's general preemption of landlord-tenant matters means cities cannot impose local just-cause requirements that conflict with state procedure.

Violations & Penalties

Landlords using self-help eviction (lockouts, utility shutoffs) face damages under N.D.C.C. 47-16-13.5, including actual damages plus attorney fees and possible treble damages.

North Dakota Eviction Procedure Statewide Standard

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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