Updated for 2026

North Dakota Security Deposit Laws & Calculator

Q: How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in North Dakota?

North Dakota landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out and the lease ends.

Q: What is the maximum security deposit in North Dakota?

North Dakota caps security deposits at 1 month's rent under N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1. For tenants with pets, the cap is the greater of $2,500 or 2 months' rent.

Q: What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in North Dakota?

Tenants can recover 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus court costs. This is one of the strongest penalty multipliers in the country.

Q: Does North Dakota require interest on security deposits?

Yes. If the tenancy lasts longer than 9 months, the landlord must pay interest on the security deposit.

Q: How do I get my security deposit back in North Dakota?

Document the unit at move-out with photos and video. If your landlord doesn't return the deposit within 30 days, send a written demand citing N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1. If unresolved, file in small claims court (limit: $15,000) and pursue the 3x penalty.

North Dakota gives landlords 30 days to return your deposit. The state caps deposits at 1 month's rent (with higher limits for pet owners). The real teeth are in the penalty: tenants can recover 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus court costs. If your tenancy lasted over 9 months, your landlord also owes you interest.

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North Dakota Security Deposit — Quick Facts

Return Deadline

30 Days

Maximum Deposit

1 Month's Rent

Pets: $2,500 or 2 months

Penalty for Late Return

3× Wrongfully Withheld

+ court costs

Interest Required

✓ Yes

If tenancy > 9 months

Applicable Law

N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1

Interest Owed & Strong 3× Penalty: If your tenancy lasted more than 9 months, your landlord is required to pay interest on your deposit. And if they wrongfully withhold any portion, you can sue for 3 times the amount withheld plus court costs — one of the strongest tenant protections in the US. Document everything and don't leave money on the table.

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Enter your deposit amount and move-out date to see your landlord's deadline and total refund.

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North Dakota Security Deposit Law — Explained

The 30-Day Return Deadline

Under N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1, landlords must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends. If the landlord intends to make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement of damages along with the remaining balance within that same 30-day window.

Deposit Cap: 1 Month's Rent

Under N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1, the standard security deposit is capped at 1 month's rent. If the tenant has a pet, the landlord may charge the greater of $2,500 or 2 months' rent. Any amount above the standard limit must be separately justified and documented. Service animals cannot be charged a pet deposit.

The 3× Penalty for Wrongful Withholding

North Dakota's penalty is among the strongest in the country. If a landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of the deposit, the tenant can recover 3 times the amount wrongfully withheld plus court costs. This applies whether the landlord missed the 30-day deadline or made improper deductions. The threat of triple damages gives tenants real leverage in disputes.

Interest Requirement for Longer Tenancies

If your tenancy lasted more than 9 months, your landlord is required to pay interest on the security deposit. This is an often-overlooked right. When calculating your refund, make sure to include any interest owed — especially for multi-year leases where the accrued interest can be significant.

What Your Landlord Can Deduct

Landlords may deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. They must provide an itemized list of deductions. Normal wear and tear — minor scuffs, faded paint, carpet worn from regular use — cannot be charged to the tenant.

What to Do If Your Landlord Won't Return Your Deposit

1
Document everything before you leave Take timestamped photos and video of every room. Keep your lease and all communications.
2
Wait 30 days after move-out North Dakota law gives your landlord 30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized deduction list.
3
Send a written demand If day 30 passes with no refund, use RenterCalc's demand letter generator citing N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1. Send via certified mail.
4
File in small claims court North Dakota's small claims limit is $15,000. You can sue for 3× the amount wrongfully withheld plus court costs. Don't forget to include any interest owed if your tenancy exceeded 9 months.

North Dakota Security Deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in North Dakota?

North Dakota landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends.

What is the maximum security deposit in North Dakota?

North Dakota caps deposits at 1 month's rent. For tenants with pets, the cap is the greater of $2,500 or 2 months' rent.

What is the penalty for not returning a security deposit in North Dakota?

Tenants can recover 3× the amount wrongfully withheld plus court costs — one of the strongest penalties in the US.

Does North Dakota require interest on security deposits?

Yes — if the tenancy lasts longer than 9 months, the landlord must pay interest on the deposit.

How do I get my security deposit back in North Dakota?

Document the unit at move-out, wait 30 days, send a written demand citing N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1, and file in small claims court (limit: $15,000) to pursue the 3× penalty if unresolved.

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