A Landlord’s Guide to Renting in Ransom County, North Dakota
Ransom County is southeastern North Dakota at its most scenic — the Sheyenne River cuts a wooded valley through the county that stands in dramatic contrast to the flat farmland of the surrounding region, creating a landscape that supports recreation, tourism, and a quality of life that draws residents who might otherwise live in larger communities. Lisbon, the county seat, is a well-established small city with a hospital, schools, retail businesses, and a governmental infrastructure that provides the institutional employment base landlords depend on for stable rental demand.
CHI Lisbon Health: Healthcare Employment
CHI Lisbon Health (part of CommonSpirit Health) is Ransom County’s most significant institutional employer, providing hospital, clinic, emergency, and long-term care services. The facility employs nurses, physicians, therapists, laboratory and imaging technicians, and support staff whose stable healthcare incomes make them the county’s most reliable tenant segment. Like all rural ND hospitals, CHI Lisbon faces ongoing staffing challenges that create continuous recruitment — new hires who arrive in Lisbon need housing, and landlords with quality properties can develop referral relationships with the facility’s administration.
Enderlin: The Second Community
Enderlin, with approximately 850 residents, sits in Ransom County’s northwest corner along the BNSF Railway mainline. The community maintains its own school district (Enderlin Area Schools), commercial businesses, and a grain elevator complex. Enderlin’s position on the railroad historically made it a significant grain shipping point, and rail-related employment continues to supplement the agricultural services base. The rental market in Enderlin is small but sustained by school district, agricultural, and railroad employment.
Sheyenne River Valley and Fort Ransom
The Sheyenne River valley is Ransom County’s signature landscape feature — a wooded, hilly corridor that provides hiking, canoeing, fishing, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding opportunities. Fort Ransom State Park, located in the valley near the small community of Fort Ransom, hosts popular events including Sodbuster Days (a historical farming demonstration) and Art in the Park. The Sheyenne National Grassland, managed by the U.S. Forest Service, preserves one of the largest remaining tracts of tallgrass prairie on public land. These natural and recreational assets create seasonal employment and attract residents who value outdoor recreation access.
Wind Energy Development
Ransom County’s open terrain and reliable winds have attracted wind energy development that brings both construction-phase employment and permanent operations and maintenance positions. Wind turbine technicians who maintain operational wind farms represent a growing tenant segment with strong incomes and multi-year employment stability. During construction phases, temporary crews create short-term housing demand. Landlords should distinguish between permanent O&M employment and temporary construction work when structuring lease terms.
North Dakota Law in Ransom County
Ransom County landlords operate under NDCC Ch. 47-16 and Ch. 47-32. The 3-Day Notice to Pay or Quit for nonpayment (after the mandatory 3-day grace period under § 47-16-07(2)), the 3-Day Notice to Quit for lease violations with no cure right, and the 30-Day Written Notice for month-to-month terminations are the operative notice timelines. The Ransom County District Court at 204 5th Ave. W. in Lisbon, part of the Southeast Judicial District, handles eviction filings. Hearings are typically set within 3 to 15 days of summons service. LLCs and other entities must retain licensed North Dakota counsel. Attorney fees are recoverable by the prevailing landlord under § 47-32-04.
Ransom County landlord-tenant matters are governed by NDCC Ch. 47-16 and Ch. 47-32. Nonpayment notice: 3-day pay or quit (after 3-day grace period). Lease violation: 3-day quit (no cure). Month-to-month termination: 30-day written notice. Security deposit cap: 1 month’s rent; pet deposit up to $2,500 or 2 months. Deposit return: 30 days; interest required if occupancy 9+ months. Late fees must be in lease; no charge during 3-day grace period. Legal entities must use licensed ND attorney in eviction. Attorney fees recoverable by prevailing landlord (§ 47-32-04). Hardship stay: up to 5 days. Eviction filed at Ransom County District Court, 204 5th Ave. W., Lisbon, ND 58054, (701) 683-6127. Filing fee ~$80. Southeast Judicial District. 2025 SB 2238: eviction record sealing after 7 years. No rent control. No just-cause eviction requirement. Last updated: May 2026.
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