Security Deposit Not Returned in North Dakota: What Can I Do?

1. Before you move out, give your landlord your new address in writing. Keep a copy of what you gave your landlord.

   RenterLaw editorial

2. On move-out day, take dated photos of every room after you clean. Keep them in case you need to show the condition of the home.

   RenterLaw editorial

3. Your landlord must pay you your security deposit and any interest it earned when your lease ends. The landlord may first take out the costs the law lists.

   North Dakota Century Code N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(1)

   ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

4. If your landlord keeps any part of your deposit, the landlord must deliver or mail you a written notice within 30 days. The 30 days start after your lease ends and you hand over the home.

   North Dakota Century Code N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(3)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

5. A landlord who keeps part of your deposit must itemize it (list out what the money was used for). The list and the amount due must be delivered or mailed to the last address you gave your landlord.

   North Dakota Century Code N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(3)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

6. The notice about your deposit must say what you still owe the landlord, or the refund due to you.

   North Dakota Century Code N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(3)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

7. When a lease ends, a landlord may use your deposit and its interest for unpaid rent. A landlord may use it for damage to the home caused by your pet, or by the negligence (carelessness) of you or your guest.

   North Dakota Century Code N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(3)(a)-(b)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

8. A landlord may use your deposit for cleaning or repairs that were your responsibility. They must be needed to return the home to its original state when you took possession. Normal wear and tear (normal use over time) does not count.

   North Dakota Century Code N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(3), lead-in

   ✓ Sources checked October 3, 2026

9. If the owner of your rental home changes, the security deposit and its interest must be transferred to the new owner. The holder of the landlord's interest when your lease ends must follow the deposit rules, even if that holder did not receive the deposit.

   North Dakota Century Code N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(5)

   ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

10. A landlord who holds back deposit money without reasonable justification must pay treble (3 times) the amount held back. For example, $200 held back is $600. You get this money only if you win your case and your landlord pays.

    RenterLaw editorial North Dakota Century Code N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(4)

    ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

11. North Dakota small claims court lets you ask for money if the amount is $15,000 or less. No more than 6 years can have passed since the date of the debt or the date of the last payment.

    North Dakota Court System Small Claims Court Actions

    ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

12. A small claims court decision in North Dakota can't be appealed. The decision is final.

    North Dakota Court System Small Claims Court Actions

    ✓ Sources checked October 2, 2026

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