North Dakota Security Deposit Return Deadline
- Penalty for missing it
- 3x (three times the deposit) (bad-faith retention — up to 3x the deposit (§47-16-07.1))
- The law
- N.D.C.C. §47-16-07.1
The rule
30 days after termination of the tenancy AND the tenant's furnishing of a forwarding address. Landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions (§47-16-07.1).
- One of only a few 3x-penalty states.
- Deposit cap: 1 month's rent (2 months if tenant has a pet or certain judgments).
- The 30-day clock starts when you provide a forwarding address — do it in writing at move-out.
What happens if your landlord misses the deadline
In North Dakota, a missed deadline seriously weakens your landlord's position. Depending on the circumstances, they may forfeit the right to deduct anything at all, owe you the penalty above, or both. The exact consequence depends on N.D.C.C. §47-16-07.1 and whether they provided the required itemized statement. Don't assume the money is gone — a missed deadline is often the strongest fact pattern for getting it back.
Your next steps in North Dakota
- Confirm the clock ran. Make sure you provided a forwarding address in writing — in North Dakota this step starts the clock, so it matters more than usual, and that the full deadline has passed.
- Send a demand letter citing N.D.C.C. §47-16-07.1 and the 3x (three times the deposit) penalty. Most landlords pay at this stage.
- If they ignore it, file in small claims. See our walkthrough for the process.
North Dakota deposit questions
How long does my North Dakota landlord have to return my deposit?
30 days after termination of the tenancy AND the tenant's furnishing of a forwarding address. Landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions (§47-16-07.1).
What if my landlord never sends an itemized list of deductions?
In most states — including North Dakota — failing to provide the required itemized statement within the deadline forfeits the landlord's right to withhold anything. Check N.D.C.C. §47-16-07.1 for the exact rule.
Can I get more than my deposit back in North Dakota?
North Dakota law allows 3x (three times the deposit) for bad-faith retention — up to 3x the deposit (§47-16-07.1). See our penalties guide for how judges apply this.
Verified 2026-10-09 against statute text.