North Dakota House Bill HB1496

North Dakota 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/25
• Refer: 1/20/25
• Report Pass: 2/7/25
• Engrossed: 2/12/25
• Refer: 2/13/25
• Report DNP: 3/24/25

Caption

Landlord obligations owed to a tenant.

Impact

The implications of this bill are significant for the rental housing market in North Dakota. By specifying the obligations of landlords, the legislation seeks to protect tenant rights and promote higher standards of maintenance for residential properties. It also aims to formalize the expectations for landlords, thereby reducing disputes over property conditions and enhancing the overall tenant experience. Furthermore, the measure mandates that landlords rectify any noncompliance within a reasonable timeframe, which could lead to more prompt action in maintaining properties up to code.

Summary

House Bill 1496 focuses on establishing and clarifying the obligations of landlords toward their tenants in residential settings. Specifically, it amends the North Dakota Century Code to set forth a series of responsibilities that landlords must fulfill to ensure that rental properties are maintained in a fit and habitable condition. These include compliance with applicable building and health codes, necessary repairs, maintenance of common areas, and ensuring the availability of essential services like water and heat. The bill aims to enhance the living conditions of tenants while providing clear guidelines for landlords regarding their responsibilities.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1496 appears to be generally positive among tenant advocacy groups and supporters who see it as a necessary protection for vulnerable renters. However, there may be concerns from landlord associations regarding the potential burden of additional regulations and the implications of increased responsibilities. While generally aimed at improving tenant welfare, any pushback from landlords indicates a division of opinions on the balance of responsibilities and rights in landlord-tenant relationships.

Contention

A notable contention arises from the stipulations allowing tenants to agree to undertake certain responsibilities traditionally belonging to landlords. The bill permits tenants, in writing, to perform specific maintenance tasks, raising concerns about the potential for exploitation. Critics argue that such provisions could lead to tenants being overburdened with responsibilities, potentially undermining the protections intended by the bill. The need for careful consideration of these provisions highlights ongoing debates about tenant empowerment versus the safeguarding of tenant rights.