Housing (Renters)

SB 2236 would have limited late fees on rental payments in North Dakota to no more than 8% of the overdue rent amount. The bill specifically applied to landlords and renters in standard residential rental agreements, capping fees for payments not made by the end of the month or the date specified in the lease. It amended North Dakota's Century Code to replace existing late fee rules with this 8% maximum. The proposal aimed to prevent excessive late charges but failed to pass the legislature in February 2025.

Relating to a valuation reduction for property used as a primary residence; to amend and reenact subdivision b of subsection 4 of section 15.1‑27‑04.1, subsection 26 of section 57‑02‑08, sections 57‑02‑08.1, 57‑02‑08.3, 57‑02‑08.9, 57‑02‑08.10, and 57‑02‑11.1, subsection 1 of section 57‑23‑06, and section 57‑55‑10 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the determination of state school aid, removal of the homestead credit, homestead renter refund, and the primary residence credit; to repeal sections 57‑02‑08.2 and 57‑02‑08.8 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the homestead credit certification and disabled veterans' credit; to provide for retroactive application; to provide an effective date; and to provide an expiration date.

SB 2235 amends North Dakota law to clarify how partial rent payments are applied when a tenant pays less than the full amount due. It requires that any insufficient payment for lodging (like apartments) must first cover the outstanding rent amount, not late fees or other charges, unless the tenant specifies otherwise at the time of payment. This directly affects residential renters and landlords across North Dakota by standardizing payment priorities under rental agreements. The bill does not change rent due dates or amounts but ensures payments are applied to the core rent obligation first. The bill failed to pass in the 2025 legislative session.