ND SB2194

Allows residential tenants who are victims of domestic violence or fear imminent domestic violence to require landlords to change outside locks without penalty or liability.

Tenants must provide advance written notice and support their claim with at least one form of evidence: a police/law enforcement record, medical record, or written affidavit from a licensed counselor, social worker, member of clergy, domestic violence advocate, or licensed attorney.

Landlords must change locks within forty-eight hours of receiving documentation and must furnish the tenant with a new key immediately without providing access to the alleged abuser.

Tenants must reimburse landlords for actual lock-changing expenses within thirty days; if landlords fail to change locks within forty-eight hours, tenants may change locks themselves and landlords must reimburse them.

An individual excluded from a dwelling unit under this section remains liable for rent and damages under the lease terms.