Security deposit law in North Dakota

The rule in North Dakota

North Dakota limits a residential security deposit to 1 month's rent (2 months in limited cases); pet deposit up to the greater of $2,500 or 2 months' rent. The wording in N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1: “in an amount or value in excess of one month's rent.”

The return deadline is 30 days, counted after the lease ends and possession is delivered. The text reads: “within thirty days after termination of the lease and delivery of possession by the lessee.”

Of the 44 jurisdictions verified here, 15 give landlords less time and 9 give more; the median is 30 days. 19 others also allow 30 days, among them Iowa, Kansas, Maine and Massachusetts.

What the cap means in dollars: $1,000 rent: up to $1,000, $1,500 rent: up to $1,500 and $2,000 rent: up to $2,000.

Worked date: if the clock starts on November 30, 2026, the deadline falls on December 30, 2026.

In neighbouring states with verified rules: Minnesota allows 21 days and sets no cap, Montana allows 30 days and sets no cap and South Dakota allows 21 days and caps deposits at one month's rent.

Two months' rent is allowed for a tenant with a felony conviction or a prior judgment for violating a rental agreement.

If a deposit is not returned, the small claims limit in North Dakota is $15,000 (small claims rules); at the cap, a full-deposit claim fits whenever rent is $15,000 a month or less.

Source: North Dakota Legislative Branch, chapter 47-16 · last checked October 20, 2026.

If the deposit does not come back

The statute above sets the deadline; what happens after it passes is covered in general terms in the guide on a deposit that is not returned, and the way each state starts and counts the clock is compared in how deposit deadlines are counted.