Independent Living in North Dakota

North Dakota is known as “The Peace Garden State,” named after the International Peace Garden which straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada. North Dakota was once the edge of the American frontier, and wild bison still roam its plains to this day. Today, North Dakota is a hub of agricultural production and oil extraction. From its quaint, rural towns to its cities like Fargo and Bismarck, North Dakota’s landscape is varied, and the state is an ideal place for those who would like to save a bit on living costs and retire in a quiet, serene setting.

Currently, A Place for Mom partners with more than 5 independent living communities in North Dakota. The median monthly cost of independent living in North Dakota is about $3,100.

In North Dakota, independent living communities are not regulated or licensed like senior care facilities. Independent living communities in North Dakota are treated as regular rental properties. These communities don’t typically offer care services but they do have age restrictions and offer senior-focused amenities and building features.

It is common for independent living communities in North Dakota to share a campus with other senior living facilities such as assisted living, which offer a higher level of care. These communities are licensed and regulated by the state and you can visit our overviews of assisted living for more information.

Independent living communities that don’t share a campus with senior care facilities are often referred to as “stand-alone.” These communities often look much like an apartment building or other multi-family home dwelling. However, unlike typical apartment buildings, independent living communities can set age restrictions which vary by facility but usually require residents to be 55+ or 62+.

North Dakota’s tenant rights highlight the rights of renters. These rights extend to residents of independent living communities and may include the following:^[01]

• Building codes must be maintained by the landlord both in the common areas and individual units.
• Garbage containers and garbage removal must be provided.
• Rent cannot be raised before the end of a lease term.
• A landlord cannot lock a tenant out of their unit, confiscate their belongings, or cut off utilities.
• Pet deposits cannot be required for service animals.
• Security deposits must be returned with an itemized deduction list within 30 days of a tenant moving out.

In addition to the above renter’s rights, there may be municipal codes that apply to independent living communities depending on the town, city, or county where a senior lives. For an example, see the city of Fargo’s Rental Housing Inspection page.

Protections against discrimination

In North Dakota, it is prohibited to deny someone housing or employ other discriminatory practices based on a person’s race, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, disability, color, age, public assistance support, familial status, and status as a victim of domestic violence.^[02] To file a housing discrimination complaint, complete the complaint form on the North Dakota Labor and Human Rights website.

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services contact information

North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
600 East Boulevard Ave
Bismarck, ND 58505

Phone: 701-328-2310