Housing assistance in North Dakota
In North Dakota, energy assistance (LIHEAP) is run by ND Health and Human Services. It takes applications all year through an online portal, the Customer Support Center or local Human Service Zone offices. State law forbids local rent control. Free civil legal help comes from Legal Services of North Dakota, and public housing and vouchers come from local housing authorities such as those in Fargo, Bismarck (Burleigh County) and Grand Forks.
Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers
Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.
Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.
Programs and free legal help in North Dakota
Energy and utility bills
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) North Dakota Health and Human Services
Helps pay heating costs for any fuel type and also covers weatherization, furnace repair and replacement, chimney cleaning, emergency help and cooling assistance. Applications are taken year-round online through the Self-Service Portal or on paper.
Call 1-866-614-6005
Free legal help
- Legal Services of North Dakota Legal Services of North Dakota
Statewide nonprofit giving free civil legal help to low-income and elderly North Dakotans. Call the under-60 line, the 60+ line (1-866-621-9886), or apply online.
Call 1-800-634-5263
Official tenant guides
- Tenant Rights North Dakota Attorney General
The Attorney General's overview of tenant rights covering move-in inspections, deposits, rent, landlord duties and eviction. The office does not mediate landlord-tenant disputes.
No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.
Key tenant laws in North Dakota
Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.
- Security deposit limit
Up to one month's rent. A landlord may charge up to two months' rent to a tenant with a felony conviction or a prior judgment for violating a rental agreement. A separate pet deposit may be up to the greater of $2,500 or two months' rent, but not for service or companion animals.
- Deposit return deadline
Within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives up possession, the landlord must mail or deliver an itemized list of deductions with the balance owed. The deposit must be kept in an interest-bearing account, but interest isn't owed if the tenant stayed less than nine months. Withholding without reasonable justification can bring treble damages.
- Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent
Eviction is allowed when a tenant fails to pay rent for three days after it is due. The landlord must first give three days' written notice of intention to evict before filing.
- Landlord entry notice
Except in emergencies or certain other cases, the landlord may enter only at reasonable hours. Unless it is impractical, the landlord must first notify the tenant and get consent for a specific time. Consent is presumed if the tenant does not object after notice. No set number of hours is specified.
- Rent increases and rent control
State law prohibits local rent control. A political subdivision may not enact or enforce an ordinance controlling the rent charged for private residential property.
- If the landlord won’t make repairs
If the landlord does not make needed repairs within a reasonable time after the tenant gives notice, the tenant may repair and deduct the cost from rent, recover the cost another lawful way, or move out and stop owing rent.
This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.
Phone lines that serve North Dakota
- Shelter, rent help, and local services211
- HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
- Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
- Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
- Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
- Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233
More local contacts: HUD’s North Dakota resource page.
Next steps
Sources
Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.
- N.D. Cent. Code Chapter 47-16 (Leasing of Real Property)North Dakota Legislative Branch
- N.D. Cent. Code Chapter 47-32 (Eviction)North Dakota Legislative Branch
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)North Dakota Health and Human Services
- Legal Services of North DakotaLegal Services of North Dakota
- Tenant RightsNorth Dakota Attorney General
- Fargo Housing AuthorityFargo Housing Authority
- Burleigh County Housing AuthorityBurleigh County Housing Authority
- Grand Forks Housing AuthorityGrand Forks Housing Authority