N.D.C.C. §§ 14-02.5-01 through 14-02.5-46 § 14-02.5-20
Investigation.
Operative Text
14-02.5-20. Investigation.
1. If the federal government has referred a complaint to the department or has deferred
jurisdiction over the subject matter of the complaint to the department, the department
shall investigate the allegations set forth in the complaint.
2. The department shall investigate all complaints and, except as provided by
subsection 3, shall complete an investigation not later than the hundredth day after the
date the complaint is filed or, if it is impracticable to complete the investigation within
the hundred-day period, shall dispose of all administrative proceedings related to the
investigation not later than the first anniversary after the date the complaint is filed.
3. If the department is unable to complete an investigation within the time periods
prescribed by subsection 2, the department shall notify the complainant and the
respondent in writing of the reasons for the delay.Section 14-02.5-20 of the North Dakota Century Code establishes timelines and procedures for how the state department investigates fair housing complaints. Generally, the department must complete its investigation within 100 days of a complaint being filed, or wrap up all related administrative proceedings within one year if the 100-day deadline is not practicable. When the federal government refers or defers a complaint to the department, the department is required to investigate those allegations as well. If the department cannot meet its deadlines, it must notify both the person who filed the complaint and the person or entity named in the complaint, in writing, explaining the reasons for the delay.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 14-02.5-20, a respondent named in a fair housing complaint can expect to be part of a department investigation that is subject to defined time limits. Compliant operators typically maintain organized records and documentation that can be produced promptly if the department requests information during its investigation. If the department cannot complete its review within the prescribed periods, it is required to notify the respondent in writing of the reasons for any delay, so property managers should be prepared to receive and respond to such communications.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 14-02.5-20 gives complainants a degree of procedural protection by requiring the department to complete its investigation within 100 days of filing, or to resolve all related administrative proceedings within one year. If the department cannot meet those deadlines, it must inform the complainant in writing about the reasons for the delay, which provides a basis for following up on the status of a complaint. Tenants who believe a fair housing complaint is not being processed in a timely manner may consider contacting the department directly, reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting with a housing attorney to understand available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 28, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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