North Dakota Security Deposit Demand Letter (NDCC § 47-16-07.1)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under North Dakota Century Code § 47-16-07.1, a landlord must return the security deposit with any accrued interest, or deliver a written, itemized notice of any amounts kept, within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives up possession. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was [Move-out date].
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for three times the amount of the deposit withheld without reasonable justification.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in North Dakota
North Dakota landlords have 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives up possession to return the security deposit, with any interest it has earned. A landlord may only deduct for unpaid rent, damage caused by the tenant, a guest or a pet through negligence, and cleaning or repairs needed to return the unit to its move-in condition, with reasonable wear and tear excepted.
Any part of the deposit that is kept must be itemized in a written notice mailed or delivered to the last address the tenant gave the landlord. The notice must state the refund due to the tenant or any amount the landlord says is still owed. Because the notice goes to the address on file, giving the landlord a forwarding address in writing is a sensible step.
North Dakota is unusual in requiring deposits to be held in a federally insured, interest-bearing account, with the interest paid to the tenant when occupancy lasted at least nine months. Deposits are generally capped at one month's rent, with limited exceptions allowing up to two months, plus a separate pet deposit of up to the greater of $2,500 or two months' rent. A landlord who keeps deposit money without reasonable justification is liable for treble damages.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, North Dakota's own deadline under NDCC § 47-16-07.1 is 30 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (North Dakota limit: $15,000). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In North Dakota, the rules are set out in North Dakota Century Code § 47-16-07.1. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award three times the amount of the deposit withheld without reasonable justification.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In North Dakota the limit is $15,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example North Dakota security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under North Dakota Century Code § 47-16-07.1, a landlord must return the security deposit with any accrued interest, or deliver a written, itemized notice of any amounts kept, within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant gives up possession. Based on my move-out date, that deadline was September 30, 2026.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for three times the amount of the deposit withheld without reasonable justification.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a North Dakota landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the lease ends and you deliver possession. Within that time the landlord must send the refund, plus any interest owed, along with a written itemization of anything kept, to the last address you gave.
Do I get interest on my security deposit in North Dakota?
Usually, yes. The landlord must keep the deposit in a federally insured, interest-bearing account, and the interest belongs to the tenant. The landlord does not have to pay interest if you lived in the unit for less than nine months.
What can I recover if my North Dakota landlord keeps my deposit unfairly?
A landlord is liable for treble damages, meaning three times the amount, for any deposit money withheld without reasonable justification. That is one of the stronger deposit remedies in the country, so a clear, dated demand letter matters.
Can I sue for my deposit in North Dakota small claims court?
Yes. North Dakota small claims court hears claims for money of up to $15,000, which covers nearly every deposit dispute. Bring your lease, move-in and move-out photos, this letter and your proof of mailing.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
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