North Dakota Rent Control Preemption Statute

Under N.D.C.C. 47-16-02.1, the legislature has expressly preempted local rent control. The statute prohibits any political subdivision, including home rule cities, from enacting any ordinance, resolution, or regulation that controls or stabilizes the amount of rent charged for leasing private residential or commercial property. The preemption applies regardless of charter authority. Limited exceptions exist for property owned or financed by a political subdivision and for housing receiving direct public subsidies. Rents are otherwise determined solely by lease agreement between landlord and tenant.

Any local rent control ordinance is void and unenforceable. Affected parties may seek declaratory judgment or injunctive relief in district court.