How do I apply for Section 8 in North Dakota?

Apply to the local public housing agency that serves the area where you want to live. Each agency runs its own waiting list; check its official site to see whether the list is open.

Section 8 in North Dakota: Housing Authorities and How to Apply

Section 8 (the Housing Choice Voucher program) is run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). You apply to the agency that serves where you want to live; many keep waiting lists that open only at times. Here are the agencies serving North Dakota's largest areas, from HUD's official contact list and each agency's site.

Is it illegal for a North Dakota landlord to refuse Section 8? Yes, for public assistance. Refusing to rent, or setting different terms, because of a person's 'status with respect to public assistance' is illegal. The definition expressly includes being a tenant who receives federal, state, or local subsidies, including rental assistance or rent supplements, so housing vouchers are covered. The law does not cover other lawful income in general. N.D.C.C. §§ 14-02.5-02, 14-02.5-03; § 14-02.4-02(19)

Housing authorities in North Dakota

Fargo Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Fargo Housing) — Fargo, Cass County
Housing Choice Voucher, Mainstream Voucher, Public Housing, Tax credit and multifamily housing
Phone: 701-293-6262
How to apply / waiting list — Housing Choice Voucher and Mainstream lists closed; public housing open only for 4-bedroom units (as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Housing Authority of Cass County — West Fargo, Cass County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing, Senior housing (55+)
Phone: (701) 282-3443
How to apply / waiting list — Section 8 waiting list closed (notice dated May 7, 2025; as of 2026-10-24 per PHA site)
Burleigh County Housing Authority — Bismarck, Burleigh County
Phone: (701) 255-2540
Grand Forks Housing Authority — Grand Forks, Grand Forks County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing (Nelson County), Agency-managed apartments
Phone: (701) 746-2545
Minot Housing Authority — Minot, Ward County
Housing Choice Voucher, Public Housing
Phone: 701-852-0485
How to apply / waiting list

Source: HUD public housing agency contact list. Check the agency's own site before applying; waiting lists open and close.

Statewide housing agency

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency — Runs Moderate Rehabilitation rental assistance in specified housing in Devils Lake, Fargo and Grand Forks (tenants generally pay 30% of adjusted income), the Opening Doors landlord risk-mitigation fund for referred households with rental barriers, and an affordable rental housing search. For Section 8 vouchers it refers renters to their local housing authority. Phone 701-328-8080.

Help paying rent in North Dakota

Opening Doors (Landlord Risk Mitigation Fund) — Helps households with poor credit, rental history or a criminal record get approved for a rental by covering certain landlord losses. Renters must be referred by a participating care-coordination agency.

How to apply

Find the housing authority for the city or county where you want to live (list above).
Check whether its voucher waiting list is open; many open for short windows or use a lottery.
Apply only through the agency's official site or office. Applying is free — no one may charge you to get on a list.
Keep your contact information current with the agency so you do not lose your place.
When a voucher is issued, you find a rental whose rent fits the agency's payment standard and that passes inspection.

Rent levels (HUD Fair Market Rent) and local help by county

North Dakota tenant rights · Free legal help in North Dakota · Section 8 in other states

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.