North Dakota Security Deposit Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07.1 — Security Deposits
Return Deadline
Your landlord must return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy.
Penalty for Non-Return
If your landlord fails to return your deposit or provide an itemized statement within 30 calendar days, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages; if landlord acts in bad faith, may recover treble damages under N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07.1.
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: 1 month rent (or 2 months if there is a pet or special conditions)
- Itemization required: Within 30 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $15,000
Additional Protections
- Landlord must provide itemized statement of deductions
- Deposit may be limited to 1 month rent with exceptions
What Your North Dakota Demand Letter Includes
Every letter is built from North Dakota's actual statute — not a generic template.
Exact Statute Citation
N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07.1 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the law.
Calculated Deadline
30 calendar days from your move-out date, computed automatically from your specific dates.
Penalty Warning
tenant may recover actual damages; if landlord acts in bad faith, may recover treble damages — cited so your landlord knows the cost of non-compliance.
Print-Ready PDF
Professional formatting. Print it, sign it, send it certified mail. Ready in under 3 minutes.
Free preview. $9.99 for the clean, print-ready PDF.
North Dakota Security Deposit FAQ
How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in North Dakota?
Under N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07.1, your landlord has 30 calendar days after termination of tenancy to return your security deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions.
What happens if my North Dakota landlord doesn't return my deposit on time?
If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the legal deadline, you may be entitled to tenant may recover actual damages; if landlord acts in bad faith, may recover treble damages under N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07.1. You can pursue this in small claims court.
What is the maximum security deposit a landlord can charge in North Dakota?
Under N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07.1(1), the maximum security deposit in North Dakota is 1 month rent (or 2 months if there is a pet or special conditions).
Does my North Dakota landlord have to itemize deductions from my deposit?
Yes. North Dakota law requires landlords to provide an itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days of move-out.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in North Dakota?
Yes. North Dakota small claims court handles cases up to $15,000. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to send a security deposit demand letter in North Dakota?
No. A demand letter is a formal written request, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a North Dakota-specific demand letter citing N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07.1 so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Security Deposit Demand Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.