North Dakota Lease Termination Notice: A Guide for Landlords

To end a month-to-month tenancy in North Dakota, either the landlord or the tenant must give at least one calendar month's written notice, unless they agreed otherwise in writing. Rent is owed through the termination date. The rules are in North Dakota Century Code section 47-16-15.

Month-to-month tenancies

Either party may terminate by giving at least one calendar month's written notice at any time. A calendar month is counted by date, so notice given on the 10th runs to the 10th of the following month. The statute does not require a reason.

Leases that became month-to-month

If a tenant stays after a fixed-term lease ends and the landlord accepts rent, a residential lease without an automatic renewal clause is presumed to continue month-to-month (NDCC 47-16-06). When a lease has converted this way, either party can end it on the last day of a month with at least one calendar month's notice.

Longer notice periods and automatic renewals

A residential lease can require more than one month's notice only if the requirement is stated in the lease with a space for the tenant's initials. If the tenant did not initial it, the tenant can still terminate on the last day of a month with one calendar month's notice. An automatic renewal clause in a lease of two months or more is enforceable only if the landlord sends written notice at least 30 days before the lease expires (NDCC 47-16-06.1).

When a tenant can end a lease early

A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence, or who fears imminent domestic violence, may terminate with advance written notice and owes rent for the month of termination plus one additional month (NDCC 47-16-17.1). A tenant may also be able to leave if the landlord fails to make needed repairs within a reasonable time after being asked (NDCC 47-16-13 and 47-16-17). After a landlord changes month-to-month terms, the tenant can terminate at the end of the month with 25 days' notice.

Ending a lease for cause

Nonpayment, lease violations, and holding over are handled through the eviction process, which starts with a three-day notice of intention to evict and not a one-month termination notice.

Common questions

How much notice is required to end a month-to-month lease in North Dakota?

At least one calendar month's written notice from either the landlord or the tenant, unless they agreed to something different in writing.

Does a fixed-term lease need a termination notice?

A fixed-term lease ends on its stated date unless the lease requires notice or renews automatically, so check the lease. If the tenant stays and rent is accepted, it usually continues month-to-month.

Is rent owed during the notice period?

Yes. Rent is due and payable through the date of termination.

This page is general information for North Dakota rental owners and is not legal advice. Laws change, so check the current North Dakota Century Code or talk with an attorney about your situation. Reviewed November 2026.

Related: North Dakota Eviction Process | North Dakota Rent Increase Notice | North Dakota Security Deposit Law | Owner Services

Sources: NDCC chapter 47-16 (sections 47-16-06, 47-16-06.1, 47-16-15, 47-16-17.1)