How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in North Dakota?
North Dakota generally gives the landlord 30 days after lease termination and delivery of possession to deliver or mail the itemization and amount due with written notice.
Where does the landlord send the deposit notice or refund?
The statute uses the last address furnished to the lessor. Give your current mailing or forwarding address in writing and keep proof so the landlord cannot point to address confusion later.
What has to be in the written notice?
The written notice must state any amount still due to the landlord or the refund due to the renter. If any deposit money is not returned, the application of that money must be itemized.
Can a North Dakota landlord charge more than one month's rent as a deposit?
North Dakota generally caps ordinary security at one month's rent, with listed exceptions for some renters with a felony conviction or prior rental-agreement judgment. A separate pet-deposit rule can also apply.
What is the pet-deposit rule?
For a non-service, non-assistance animal, the landlord may charge a pet security deposit. That pet deposit may not exceed the greater of $2,500 or two months' rent.
Do North Dakota renters get interest?
North Dakota includes accrued interest in the security deposit rules, but the landlord is not required to pay interest if the occupancy was less than nine months.
Can a landlord deduct for reasonable wear and tear?
No. North Dakota allows certain cleaning or repair deductions only when needed to return the unit to its original state, reasonable wear and tear excepted.
What are treble damages?
Treble damages means three times the amount at issue. North Dakota says a landlord is liable for treble damages for security deposit money withheld without reasonable justification. That remedy should be tied to proof, not treated as automatic for every disagreement.
What proof should I keep?
Keep the lease, deposit payment proof, move-out date, key return, forwarding-address proof, move-in condition statement, photos, videos, itemization, written notice, refund records, invoices, estimates, envelopes, and messages.
The North Dakota Recovery System turns these rules into four editable letters in the right order.
Get the North Dakota Recovery SystemRelated pages
- North Dakota deadline guide
- North Dakota demand-letter guide
- North Dakota law explained
- Evidence checklist
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.