North Dakota Security Deposit Law (2026): Deadlines, Interest & Penalties
Wondering when your North Dakota security deposit is due back? The statute — N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1 — sets the return window at 30 days from the end of your tenancy, and the landlord must pay interest of Interest required if deposit held 9+ months in certain situations (interest required if deposit held 9+ months). If the money doesn't arrive on time, the exposure for the landlord is 3x wrongfully withheld amount. The calculator above works out your deadline, interest, and penalty figures automatically.
Enter Rent Details
Calculation Results
Select your state and fill out the form parameters to calculate interest and deadline penalties.
North Dakota Deposit Rules at a Glance
| Return deadline | 30 days after move-out Standard deadline applies. |
|---|---|
| Interest on deposit | Conditional — Interest required if deposit held 9+ months Interest required if deposit held 9+ months |
| Separate account required | Yes |
| Deposit limit | 1 month's rent (2 months/pet deposit exceptions incl. felony history rule) |
| Penalty for violations | 3x wrongfully withheld amount |
North Dakota Security Deposit FAQ
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, a landlord must return the security deposit within 30 days after the tenancy ends, under N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1. Note: Standard deadline applies..
Does my landlord owe me interest on my security deposit in North Dakota?
Under N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1, a North Dakota landlord must pay interest of Interest required if deposit held 9+ months in certain situations (interest required if deposit held 9+ months). Rate details: Interest required if deposit held 9+ months.
What is the penalty if a landlord misses the deposit deadline in North Dakota?
3x wrongfully withheld amount. The governing statute is N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1.
Is there a limit on how much a landlord can charge as a security deposit in North Dakota?
Yes. In North Dakota, the security deposit is limited to 1 month's rent (2 months/pet deposit exceptions incl. felony history rule).
Does a North Dakota landlord have to keep my deposit in a separate account?
Yes. North Dakota law requires landlords to hold security deposits in a separate account, per N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1.
Are there exceptions to the 30-day deposit deadline in North Dakota?
Yes — the deadline can vary: Standard deadline applies.. When in doubt, check the statute itself (N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1) or ask a local tenant-rights organization.
When does the interest requirement apply in North Dakota?
Interest applies under these conditions: Interest required if deposit held 9+ months. See N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1 for the full rule.
What can I do if my landlord won't return my deposit in North Dakota?
First, send a written demand letter citing N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1 — our free generator creates one with your amounts filled in. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can usually file in small claims court, where the penalty exposure is 3x wrongfully withheld amount.