N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1: North Dakota security deposit rules in plain English
What N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1 says about North Dakota security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Counted from when the lease ends and you hand back possession. The itemized statement goes to the last address you gave the landlord.
- Maximum deposit
- One month's rent. Exceptions: up to two months' rent from an individual convicted of a felony offense as an incentive to rent to them, or from an individual who has had a judgment entered against them for violating a previous rental agreement (§ 47-16-07.1(1)). A separate pet security deposit (not for service or companion animals required as a disability accommodation) may be charged, up to the greater of $2,500 or two months' rent (§ 47-16-07.1(2)).
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- Yes. The landlord must hold the deposit in a federally insured interest-bearing savings or checking account for the tenant's benefit, and pay the deposit and accrued interest on termination of the lease, less permitted deductions. No interest is owed if the period of occupancy was less than nine months (§ 47-16-07.1(1), (3)).
What N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
One month's rent. Exceptions: up to two months' rent from an individual convicted of a felony offense as an incentive to rent to them, or from an individual who has had a judgment entered against them for violating a previous rental agreement (§ 47-16-07.1(1)). A separate pet security deposit (not for service or companion animals required as a disability accommodation) may be charged, up to the greater of $2,500 or two months' rent (§ 47-16-07.1(2)).
Interest
Yes. The landlord must hold the deposit in a federally insured interest-bearing savings or checking account for the tenant's benefit, and pay the deposit and accrued interest on termination of the lease, less permitted deductions. No interest is owed if the period of occupancy was less than nine months (§ 47-16-07.1(1), (3)).
Full citation: N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1 Read the official text
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FAQ: N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1?
Under N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1, a North Dakota landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. Counted from when the lease ends and you hand back possession. The itemized statement goes to the last address you gave the landlord.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in North Dakota?
One month's rent. Exceptions: up to two months' rent from an individual convicted of a felony offense as an incentive to rent to them, or from an individual who has had a judgment entered against them for violating a previous rental agreement (§ 47-16-07.1(1)). A separate pet security deposit (not for service or companion animals required as a disability accommodation) may be charged, up to the greater of $2,500 or two months' rent (§ 47-16-07.1(2)).
Does North Dakota require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1.
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in North Dakota?
Yes. The landlord must hold the deposit in a federally insured interest-bearing savings or checking account for the tenant's benefit, and pay the deposit and accrued interest on termination of the lease, less permitted deductions. No interest is owed if the period of occupancy was less than nine months (§ 47-16-07.1(1), (3)).
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Scan my North Dakota leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.