North Dakota Room Rental Agreement

The North Dakota Room Rental Agreement is a legally enforceable agreement between a landlord and an individual who plans to rent a room. The responsibilities and expectations of the owner and the tenant are comprehensively articulated in this document. The contract becomes operative and obligatory for the named parties upon its signing.

Both parties must sign this agreement to adhere to North Dakota’s laws. Download our legally binding North Dakota Room Rental Agreementtemplate to simplify the process.

Legal Aspects 

The purpose of a room rental agreement in North Dakota is to delineate the duties of the tenant who leases a specific room within a rented property rather than the entire premises. Written contracts are typically upheld in legal terms, whereas verbal agreements may not always be. 

Consequently, a room lease agreement becomes indispensable for protecting tenants’ rights when the landlord rents a room in a property to more than one tenant.

Access to the Room 

An owner is permitted to enter a rented property provided they submit a proper notice to the tenant unless it’s an emergency under the following circumstances:

• In the event of an emergency, if the landlord reasonably suspects that the tenant has vacated the property or if the tenant is significantly breaching the terms of the rental agreement.
• During reasonable hours and in a reasonable manner, conduct an inspection, carry out necessary or routine repairs, make alterations or improvements, or provide agreed-upon services.
• Upon an agreed time, show the property to prospective or actual buyers, insurance agents, mortgage lenders, real estate agents, potential tenants, workers, or contractors.

Additional legal considerations include:

• Unless it’s not feasible, the landlord should seek the tenant’s approval for a mutually agreed-upon entry time. The landlord must not misuse their right of access or use it to harass or intimidate the tenant.

Guest & Pets Policy 

• Guests: Articulate any regulations pertaining to overnight guests, including whether the tenant is permitted to have them and if prior discussion with the owner is required.
• Pets: Specify if the tenant is allowed to have pets on the premises. If pets are permitted, provide details such as the pet’s name, breed, and the name of the pet’s owner.

Security Deposit Regulations 

The North Dakota Room Rental Agreement encompasses the following regulations related to security deposits:

• Security Deposit Limit: Occupants may be asked to provide a security deposit equivalent to one (1) month’s rent. If a pet is involved, an additional deposit, capped at $2,500 or two (2) months’ rent, may be required.
• Interest: The landlord has to place the security deposit in a federally interest-bearing account, but they don’t have to pay the tenant interest if they rent the room for less than nine (9) months.
• Return of Deposit: At the end of the lease, the owner can withhold a portion of the security deposit to cover damages caused by the tenant, their pet, or their guests; unpaid rent; and cleaning and repair costs, excluding reasonable wear and tear.
  • The landlord must provide the tenant with an itemized list of deductions from the security deposit and the remaining balance within 30 days of lease termination.
• Legal Remedies: If the owner doesn’t adhere to North Dakota’s Security Deposit Laws, the tenant has several legal recourse options, including mediation, arbitration, and legal action.