North Dakota Security Deposit Rules for Renters

Are you renting a home or apartment in North Dakota? Knowing your rights and responsibilities regarding security deposits can help ensure you get your money back when you move out. This article breaks down North Dakota’s security deposit limits, return deadlines, and related rules, with easy explanations and official resources for every step.

What Is a Security Deposit?

A security deposit is money your landlord may require before you move in, held to cover unpaid rent or costs of repairing property damage (beyond normal wear and tear). North Dakota law sets clear rules to protect both renters and property owners in these situations.

Security Deposit Limits in North Dakota

According to the North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16-07.1:

• Landlords cannot charge more than one month's rent as a security deposit for most renters.
• If you have a pet (not a service or assistance animal), an additional deposit of up to $2,500 or two months’ rent—whichever is greater—may be charged for the pet deposit.
• Landlords may not require a deposit for a service animal or assistance animal.

This legal cap is in place to make sure renters are not asked for excessive upfront payments.

Return Deadlines for Security Deposits

Once you move out and return your keys, your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days. If any deductions are made (for damage or unpaid rent), your landlord must provide an itemized written statement showing what was kept and why.

• If you provide your new mailing address, the landlord must send any refund and a written list of deductions (if any) to that address within 30 days.
• The same timeline applies if your rental ends early due to military deployment.

Your best chance to get your deposit back is to provide a forwarding address, return all keys, and leave your unit clean and undamaged beyond normal use.

When Can My Deposit Be Withheld?

Landlords can only keep some or all of your deposit for:

• Unpaid rent
• Repairing damages beyond normal wear and tear
• Other breaches of the rental agreement that cost the landlord money

They cannot withhold money for ordinary cleaning or routine painting and repairs due to normal use.

Requesting the Return of Your Deposit: Suggested Form

If your landlord fails to return your deposit or send an itemized list within the legal timeframe, you may use a Security Deposit Demand Letter. Although North Dakota does not provide a standardized state form, you may draft your own letter requesting the return of your deposit and any explanation for deductions. Be sure to include:

• Your name and former address
• Date of move-out
• Forwarding address
• Amount of deposit paid
• Statement requesting prompt return as required by North Dakota Century Code 47-16-07.1

Send this request via certified mail and keep a copy for your records.

For detailed legislation, review the full text of North Dakota’s landlord-tenant laws.

Which Agency Handles Tenant Complaints?

There is no dedicated landlord-tenant board or tribunal in North Dakota. Renters may seek help through the civil court system (Small Claims Court) or request assistance from the North Dakota Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division or Legal Services of North Dakota.

FAQ: North Dakota Security Deposit Laws

1. How much can my landlord legally charge as a security deposit?
   Most landlords in North Dakota cannot require more than one month’s rent for a security deposit, with higher amounts allowed only for pet deposits (excluding service animals).
2. How long does my landlord have to return my deposit?
   Your landlord must send your deposit and any itemized deductions within 30 days of moving out and providing a forwarding address.
3. What should I do if my landlord doesn’t return my deposit?
   Send a written demand letter citing North Dakota law, and keep all records. If there’s still no response, you may consider filing a claim in Small Claims Court.
4. Are there official forms I need to use?
   North Dakota does not have standardized forms for security deposit disputes. A personal demand letter is recommended—visit the Attorney General’s Tenant and Landlord Rights page for guidance.
5. What deductions can my landlord make from the deposit?
   Only unpaid rent, actual damages (not from normal use), or costs outlined in your lease can be deducted.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for North Dakota Renters

• Landlords can charge no more than one month’s rent as a deposit (higher for certain pet deposits).
• Your deposit—and an itemized list of deductions—must be returned within 30 days after moving out.
• If your deposit isn’t returned, submit a written request and seek further help from state agencies or small claims court as needed.

Understanding these basic security deposit rules can help protect your finances and your rights as a North Dakota renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• North Dakota Attorney General: Tenant and Landlord Rights – Official resource for legal guidance
• Legal Services of North Dakota – Free or low-cost legal help for eligible renters
• North Dakota Courts – File a complaint in Small Claims Court if your deposit is not returned

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1. North Dakota Century Code Chapter 47-16-07.1: Tenant Security Deposit Statute
2. North Dakota Attorney General: Tenant and Landlord Rights – Security Deposits
3. Legal Services of North Dakota: Tenant Legal Resources

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