North Dakota Rental Application Overview
North Dakota provides minimal screening restrictions but does add some protections for recipients of public assistance.
North Dakota does not cap rental application fees. Most landlords charge between $25 and $50 given the state's lower cost of living.
No state cap
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
No statewide restric
Criminal bg check
3x monthly rent (typ
Income requirement
North Dakota Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
North Dakota does not cap rental application fees. Most landlords charge between $25 and $50 given the state's lower cost of living.
Criminal Background Check Rules
North Dakota has no ban-the-box law for housing. Landlords can consider criminal history without restriction.
Credit Check Requirements
North Dakota landlords can run credit checks with written consent per the FCRA. No additional state restrictions.
Fair Housing Protections
North Dakota's human rights law adds status with respect to marriage and public assistance to the list of protected classes.
North Dakota Screening Criteria
North Dakota landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and North Dakota state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most North Dakota landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 3x monthly rent (typical) is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to North Dakota's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a North Dakota Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your North Dakota rental application. Our template includes all sections required for North Dakota-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per North Dakota data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. North Dakota landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most North Dakota landlords require income of at least 3x monthly rent (typical).
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required. North Dakota does not cap application fees.
North Dakota Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in North Dakota. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $25-$50 |
| Credit Check | $15-$40 (often included in application fee) |
| Background Check | $20-$50 (often included in application fee) |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample North Dakota Rental Application
Below is a preview of our North Dakota-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under North Dakota law.
STATE OF NORTH DAKOTA
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [North Dakota Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and North Dakota state law...
North Dakota Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in North Dakota.
Official North Dakota Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about North Dakota tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
North Dakota Department of Labor — Human Rights
Fair housing complaints and enforcement
Legal Services of North Dakota
Free legal aid for ND tenants
HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
Federal fair housing laws, complaints, and guidance
FTC Fair Credit Reporting Act
Federal credit reporting rights for tenants
Other North Dakota Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for North Dakota? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
Create your North Dakota Rental Application in under 5 minutes.
Answer a few questions and download a North Dakota-compliant document, ready for the state agency.