North Dakota Rent Relief: A Directory of Financial and Housing Assistance

When facing the possibility of losing your home, finding clear, reliable information is the first and most critical step. Financial hardship can happen unexpectedly, leaving many North Dakota residents searching for rent relief and housing assistance.

While major pandemic-era programs have concluded, a network of state, federal, and local support systems remains in place to help individuals and families maintain housing stability. These resources range from immediate emergency financial aid to long-term rental subsidies and legal support for tenants facing eviction. The key is knowing where to look and who to call first.

This directory provides a structured overview of the available North Dakota rent relief options, helping you identify the right program for your specific situation.

At a Glance: Find the Right Help for Your Situation

Immediate Help for Housing Crises in North Dakota

In a housing crisis, every moment counts. The following resources are designed to be the first points of contact for North Dakotans needing immediate assistance with shelter, rent, or other urgent needs.

1.1 Your First Call: Connecting with ND 2-1-1

For anyone in North Dakota facing a housing emergency, the most effective first step is to contact ND 2-1-1. This is not just a helpline; it is a vital, statewide information and referral service staffed by trained specialists who can provide personalized guidance.

With the conclusion of the primary statewide ND Rent Help program, the system of support has become more fragmented, with assistance delivered by numerous local and regional organizations. This can make it difficult for a person in crisis to know which agency serves their area or has available funding.

ND 2-1-1 solves this navigation problem by acting as a central hub. A specialist will assess your unique situation and connect you directly to the most appropriate local resources for emergency shelter, food assistance, and potential financial aid for rent.

• How to Connect:
• Simply dial 2-1-1 from any phone.
• If you cannot use 2-1-1, call 701-235-7335 (SEEK).
• Visit the ND 2-1-1 website for an online directory of services.

1.2 Emergency Financial Assistance Through Community Action Agencies

North Dakota's network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are the primary local providers of direct emergency financial aid for housing. These non-profit organizations operate in specific regions across the state, offering services that can include past-due rent payments, assistance with a security deposit for a new residence, or help with utility bills.

It is crucial to understand that this assistance is entirely dependent on the availability of funds. Because funding levels can fluctuate, help is not guaranteed. A household's ability to receive aid may depend on the timing of their request and the agency's current budget.

This reality underscores the importance of contacting your local CAA as soon as you anticipate a problem and being persistent in exploring all available avenues for support. You can find the contact information for the agency that serves your county in the directory in Section 5.1 of this document.

1.3 Specialized Support for Domestic Violence Survivors

Housing instability is a significant barrier for individuals seeking to leave abusive situations. Recognizing this, North Dakota provides specialized resources that connect safety with housing stability. These programs should be considered essential tools for escape and recovery.

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: For immediate, confidential support and safety planning, call 1-800-799-7233 (or 1-800-787-3224 for TTY).
• CAWS North Dakota: This statewide coalition provides a list of local advocacy centers that offer direct services and support to survivors.
• Housing Priority: Some housing programs in the state recognize the urgency of these situations. The Fargo Housing Authority, for example, gives a preference on its Housing Choice Voucher waiting list to victims of domestic violence who are referred by the Rape and Abuse Crisis Center. This policy acknowledges that securing safe, independent housing is a critical component of breaking the cycle of violence.

State and Federal Rental Assistance Programs

Beyond immediate crisis intervention, several structured, long-term programs are available to help low-income North Dakotans afford stable housing. These programs are typically federally funded and administered by state or local agencies.

2.1 Understanding the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, commonly known as Section 8, is the federal government's primary initiative for assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. The program is administered locally by Public Housing Authorities (PHAs).

2.1.1 How the Program Works and General Eligibility

Instead of being tied to a specific apartment building, an HCV is a tenant-based subsidy that a household can use to rent a qualifying unit of their choice from a private landlord.

The Process

1. An eligible family applies to their local PHA.
2. If eligible, the family is placed on a waiting list.
3. When a voucher becomes available, the family is issued the voucher and must find a rental unit (such as a house, apartment, or townhouse) where the landlord agrees to participate in the program.
4. The rental unit must pass a health and safety inspection conducted by the PHA.
5. The household typically pays 30% of their adjusted monthly income toward rent and utilities, and the PHA pays the remaining portion directly to the landlord.

General Eligibility

• Eligibility is determined by the local PHA based on total annual gross income and family size.
• By law, 75% of vouchers must go to applicants whose incomes do not exceed 30% of the Area Median Income.
• Applicants must also be U.S. citizens or have eligible immigration status.

2.1.2 The Application Process and Waiting List Status by Region

Demand for Housing Choice Vouchers far exceeds the available supply, leading to long waiting lists that are often closed to new applicants. Access to this critical long-term subsidy is not uniform across North Dakota; a household's ability to apply depends entirely on the status of the waiting list in their specific county or region. This geographic disparity reflects differing local housing market pressures and funding levels.

• Fargo (Cass County Housing Authority): The Housing Choice Voucher waiting list for the Fargo Housing Authority is currently closed. When the list does open, preferences are given to victims of domestic violence, current residents of Cass or Clay County, and individuals with disabilities transitioning from institutional settings or experiencing homelessness.
• Minot (Minot Housing Authority): The Minot Housing Authority administers vouchers for Ward, Mountrail, McHenry, and Pierce counties. Applications are available on their website, indicating that waiting lists are open or open periodically. Applicants are placed on the list according to the date and time of their application and are contacted for an eligibility interview when a voucher becomes available.
• Grand Forks (Grand Forks Housing Authority): The Grand Forks Housing Authority is currently accepting applications online for the Housing Choice Voucher program. The agency notes that its waiting lists are "short" and that selections for some programs may happen within a few days of applying, which is a significant opportunity for those in the area.
• Burleigh County (Bismarck): The official website for the Burleigh County Housing Authority is currently inaccessible, and public information on the status of its Section 8 waiting list is not readily available. Residents of Burleigh County should contact the authority directly to inquire about the waiting list status and application process. The main office can be reached at 701-255-2540.

2.2 The HOME-ARP Supportive Services Program: A New Avenue for Aid

Launched in January 2025, the HOME-ARP Supportive Services Program is a new statewide initiative designed to assist individuals and households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence. Funded by the American Rescue Plan and administered by the Community Action Partnership of North Dakota (CAPND), this program represents a strategic shift in housing assistance.

Rather than focusing solely on financial payments, the HOME-ARP program provides a holistic set of services aimed at achieving long-term housing stability. This approach addresses the root causes of housing crises, not just the immediate financial shortfall.

Services offered through the program include:

• Rental Assistance: Financial support to help secure or maintain permanent housing.
• Financial Assistance: Flexible aid for other immediate housing-related needs.
• Housing Search and Placement: Guidance in finding suitable and affordable housing.
• Housing Stability Case Management: Personalized support to help households navigate challenges and build a stable future.
• Mediation Services: Help in resolving disputes with landlords.
• Credit Repair Assistance: Support with budgeting and improving financial standing to remove future housing barriers.

To learn more about eligibility and to apply for the HOME-ARP program, residents should contact their regional Community Action Agency.

2.3 The "Opening Doors" Program for Renters with Housing Barriers

Many rental assistance programs address the issue of affordability, but they don't always solve the problem of accessibility. A history of poor credit, prior evictions, or a criminal record can prevent a household from being approved for a lease, even if they have a voucher or the funds to pay rent.

The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency's (NDHFA) "Opening Doors" program is designed specifically to address these systemic barriers. The program works by:

• Connecting with Service Providers: Individuals seeking assistance must be referred into the program by an approved Participating Care Coordination Agency. This ensures the tenant has ongoing case management and support.
• Incentivizing Landlords: The program encourages landlords to rent to tenants they might otherwise disqualify by providing coverage for excessive damages or lost revenue, reducing the financial risk for the property owner.

This program creates a crucial pathway back into the housing market for individuals who have been locked out due to past financial or legal difficulties, acknowledging that true housing stability requires more than just a rent subsidy.

2.4 Assistance for Specific Populations

Several programs are tailored to meet the unique housing needs of veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities.

• Veterans:
• VA Supportive Housing (VASH): This federal program combines a Housing Choice Voucher with comprehensive case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs. It is a critical tool for helping homeless veterans and their families achieve stable housing. To apply, veterans should contact their local VA medical center.
• Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF): This program provides a range of supportive services to very low-income veteran families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. Services can include case management, healthcare navigation, and temporary financial assistance.  
• Seniors and Persons with Disabilities:
• Aging and Disability Resource-LINK (ADRL): This is a free, confidential service that connects seniors and individuals with disabilities to a wide range of community supports, including housing resources. They can be reached toll-free at 1-855-462-5465.
• Mainstream Vouchers: This is a specific type of Housing Choice Voucher designated for households that include a non-elderly person (age 18-61) with a disability. These vouchers help individuals with disabilities live independently in the community. The Grand Forks Housing Authority notes a significantly shorter wait for Mainstream Vouchers.

Navigating Eviction: Your Rights and Resources

Receiving an eviction notice can be a frightening experience. However, it is important to know that eviction is a legal process with specific steps and rules that a landlord must follow. A tenant cannot be removed from their home without a court order from a North Dakota state district court. Understanding your rights and the legal process can provide you with the time and opportunity to seek assistance or contest the eviction.

3.1 The North Dakota Eviction Process: A Step-by-Step Overview

The legal process creates a formal framework that protects both tenants and landlords. In eviction court, landlords, particularly if they are a legal entity like an LLC, are often required to have a lawyer, while tenants are not. This can create an imbalance of legal expertise. Knowing the process is the first step in bridging that gap.

3.1.1 The 3-Day Notice of Intention to Evict

For many types of evictions, including for non-payment of rent, the landlord’s first legal step is to serve the tenant with a written "3-Day Notice of Intention to Evict".

• What it is: This is a legal warning, not a court order. It informs the tenant of the reason for the potential eviction (e.g., "$500 in unpaid rent") and gives them three days to either fix the problem (e.g., pay the rent) or move out.
• What it is not: It does not mean the tenant must leave in three days. It is the start of the legal process. If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord can then proceed to the next step.  

3.1.2 The Summons, Complaint, and Court Hearing

If the tenant does not move out or resolve the issue within the three-day notice period, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit with the district court.

• Summons and Complaint: The tenant will be served with two legal documents: a Summons, which states the date and time of the court hearing, and a Complaint, which explains the landlord's reasons for the eviction. The court hearing will be scheduled quickly, typically between three and fifteen days from when the summons is issued.
• The Hearing: This is the tenant's opportunity to appear before a judge and present their side of the story. The tenant can provide evidence (like rent receipts or photos of the property) and explain any defenses they may have.
• Possible Outcomes: If the judge rules in the landlord's favor, an eviction order will be issued. However, if the eviction is not due to a disturbance of the peace, the tenant can request a hardship stay, and the judge may grant up to five additional days to move out. Only a law enforcement officer, such as a sheriff, can legally enforce the eviction order and remove a tenant and their belongings.

3.2 Accessing Legal Aid and Tenant Resources

Given the speed and complexity of the eviction process, seeking legal advice is highly recommended. Several organizations provide free or low-cost resources to help tenants understand and protect their rights. Accessing these resources is a direct intervention that can help level the playing field in court.

• Legal Services of North Dakota: This is the primary provider of free civil legal assistance to low-income and elderly North Dakotans. If you are facing eviction, contacting them should be a top priority. They can be reached at 1-800-634-5263.
• ND Courts Legal Self Help Center: The North Dakota Court System provides an online Self Help Center with detailed informational guides and forms for tenants who must represent themselves in an eviction case. This is an invaluable resource for understanding court procedures and preparing for a hearing.
• High Plains Fair Housing Center: This organization can assist with landlord-tenant mediation, which may help resolve the dispute before it goes to court. They also handle cases of housing discrimination. They can be reached at 701-792-2878.

Reducing Housing Costs: Utility and Energy Assistance

Housing affordability is not just about rent; utility costs are a major part of a household's budget. Several programs in North Dakota are designed specifically to help residents manage their home energy expenses.

4.1 The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps eligible low-income households with their home heating and cooling costs. The program is comprehensive and covers more than just a portion of a monthly bill. 

4.1.2 Services Covered: Heating, Cooling, and Weatherization

LIHEAP provides a range of services to improve both the affordability and efficiency of a home's energy use:

• Heating Assistance: Provides benefits to help pay for natural gas, electricity, propane, fuel oil, and other heating sources. This is the primary component of the program, operating from October 1 to May 31.
• Emergency Assistance: Helps households in a crisis, such as facing a utility shut-off or running out of fuel.
• Weatherization Services: Helps lower energy costs by providing improvements like insulation and weather stripping around doors and windows.
• Furnace and Cooling Help: LIHEAP can also assist with furnace cleaning, repair, or replacement, as well as help with the cost of purchasing or repairing an air conditioner.

4.1.3 Income Guidelines and How to Apply

To be eligible for LIHEAP, a household's income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. Applications are accepted year-round.

• How to Apply:
• Online: The fastest way to apply is through the North Dakota Health and Human Services Self-Service Portal.
• By Mail or In Person: You can print an application and return it to your local Human Service Zone office or request that an application be mailed to you.
• Required Documents: When applying, you will generally need to provide:
• A completed LIHEAP application.
• Proof of income for all household members.
• A copy of your heating bill.
• A copy of your lease if you are a renter.

4.2 Energy Share and Other Charitable Utility Programs

For households facing a crisis that falls outside of LIHEAP's scope or who have exhausted their benefits, other options may be available.

• Energy Share: This is a private, non-profit fuel fund that serves as a last resort for North Dakotans facing an energy emergency. It is funded by donations from individuals and utility companies and is administered by the local Community Action Agencies.
• Utility-Specific Programs: Several electric cooperatives across the state run "Operation Roundup" programs, where customer donations are used to help local individuals and organizations with critical needs. These include Capital Electric Cooperative, Dakota Valley Electric Cooperative, and Nodak Electric Cooperative, among others.

Directory of Local and Regional Support

Navigating the landscape of housing assistance requires knowing who to contact in your specific area. The following directories provide contact information for the key local and regional organizations that deliver services directly to North Dakota residents.

5.1 Community Action Agencies: Your Local Connection to Aid

Community Action Agencies are the frontline service providers for a range of anti-poverty programs, including emergency housing and utility assistance, case management, and the new HOME-ARP Supportive Services Program. Finding the correct agency for your county is a critical first step.

North Dakota Community Action Agencies by Region

5.2 Other Key Organizations

5.2.1 The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army operates in several North Dakota communities, offering a range of emergency services. Depending on location and funding, this can include assistance with rent and utilities, food pantries, and crisis intervention.

• Bismarck-Mandan: 601 S. Washington St., Bismarck, ND 58504 | Phone: 701-223-1889
• Fargo-Moorhead: 304 Roberts St., Fargo, ND 58102 | Phone: 701-232-5565

5.2.2 Local Public Housing Authorities (PHAs)

PHAs are the government agencies responsible for administering the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) program and other public housing options. To apply for a voucher or inquire about waiting list status, you must contact the PHA that serves your specific county or city. A complete list of Public Housing Authority contacts in North Dakota is maintained by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and can be found on their website.

5.2.3 Note on Lutheran Social Services

Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota (LSSND), which for many years was a key provider of social services, announced its closure in 2021. It is no longer an active resource for housing assistance in the state. Residents seeking help should direct their inquiries to the other organizations listed in this directory, such as their regional Community Action Agency or ND 2-1-1.

 Frequently Asked Questions