Are North Dakota Landlords Required To Provide Air Conditioning?

So far this summer most North Dakotans haven't had to use the air conditioner a whole lot.

This was predicted by the National Weather Service back in April.  The general consensus was an average summer temperature weather pattern.  It is not necessarily below normal or above normal temps, but there are equal chances for both.  In other words, about average.  You can read more about that here.

I know today is officially the first day of summer, but even the long-range forecasts that I continue to look at are showing the same thing.  We are expected to heat up a little bit next week and join the rest of the country which has been experiencing heat wave conditions.

Monday's high temperature may touch 90 degrees or better in Bismarck.  That is certainly air-conditioning-worthy weather.

According to the Weather Channel, after Monday's warm day, look for a lot of 80s and 70s for high temperatures for Bismarck Mandan at least through the 4th.  Needless to say, we will have our fair share of days that we will need our air conditioners to stay comfortable.

That brings me to a question that was posed to me by a co-worker who lives in a rental in Bismarck. He's frequently complained that his apartment complex isn't very quick to fix faulty air conditioners and things like that.

The Question? Are Landlords required to provide air conditioning units to their tenants in North Dakota?

The answer is 100% no.  There is nothing in the North Dakota Century Code that requires landlords to provide AC to their renters.  This might be surprising to some.  Especially, when in some of the warmer states like Florida and Arizona it is indeed a law, according to Doorloop.

According to the North Dakota Protection and Advocacy, "A landlord is responsible for keeping the premises compliant with building and housing codes relating to health and safety."  "They are to make or arrange for repairs as agreed upon in the Lease, or that are necessary to keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition."

Landlords in North Dakota must keep you safe but don't necessarily have to legally keep you comfortable.

Now you know.  If you are looking for a new place to rent this summer, and the rental doesn't offer air conditioning, you might want to work that into the lease agreement.

I guess it's a good thing we typically have snow 7 months of the year after all.  Enjoy your summer.  It goes fast.