30 days after lease ends and you hand back possession.
The rule
In North Dakota, the clock starts when: lease ends and you hand back possession. The landlord then has 30 calendar days. The statute says:
“Such itemization together with the amount due must be delivered or mailed to the lessee at the last address furnished lessor, along with a written notice within thirty days after termination of the lease and delivery of possession by the lessee.”
Interest is owed with the deposit if you stayed nine months or more.
For example, if you returned the keys on Oct 25, 2026, the date would be Nov 24, 2026. Use the Clock for your own dates.
What the landlord has to send
An itemization with a written notice of the amount still due or the refund.
How much a deposit can be
One month's rent (two in limited cases).
Interest
The interest the account earned, if you stayed nine months or more.
Do this
On move-out day
Give your forwarding address in writing and keep proof of sending. Photograph every room before you return the keys.
Deductions and wear and tear
North Dakota's statute limits what can be kept to the purposes it lists. We haven't summarised its wear-and-tear language yet; read the section linked above.
For a charge to replace something old, Fair Charge works out a prorated estimate from the item's age and useful life, and says where the useful life comes from. See also the item guides for carpet, paint and cleaning.
If the deadline passes
Treble damages for deposit money withheld without reasonable justification.
“A lessor is liable for treble damages for any security deposit money withheld without reasonable justification.”
The usual first step is a written demand that states the date the deposit was due and cites the statute. Our demand letter does that and carries any disputed deductions.
Your next steps
- Dated move-out plan for North Dakota: notice, the steps that start the clock, and the deadline.
- Letters: forwarding address · deposit demand · notice to vacate
- Small claims: we haven't verified North Dakota's limit or self-help page yet.
- North Dakota tenant-rights hub
Sources
- N.D. Cent. Code §47-16-07.1(3) · checked 2026-10-05
Information, not legal advice. Statutes are quoted from official legislature sites; summaries are ours. Spotted an error? Tell us.