North Dakota Lockouts and utility shutoffs

Can a landlord change the locks or shut off utilities in North Dakota?

An ND lease binds the landlord to secure the tenant's quiet possession for the lease term, and a landlord recovers possession through an eviction action in district court. The ND Attorney General's guide says a landlord cannot lock a tenant out, cut off utilities or take the tenant's belongings (AG guidance; no statute stating that directly was found in chapters 47-16 or 47-32).

Verified Source: N.D. Cent. Code §§ 47-16-08, 47-32-01; ND Attorney General, Tenant Rights (guidance) · last checked 2026-10-23