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North Dakota Small Claims for a Security Deposit: Where to File, What It Costs, Does It Fit

In North Dakota, a security deposit claim is heard by District Court (small claims); the court for your county is listed below. The comparable deposit claim limit is $15,000. No comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule. Pick your county, calculate your deadline, then send a dated letter.

State law last checked .

Filing facts

CourtDistrict Court (small claims) · Court source
Listed limits and jurisdictions$15,000 (District Court small claims only)
Comparable deposit claim limit$15,000
Time limit to sue, from state data6 years; check when the claim accrued before counting from it.
Listed county filing feesNo comparable fee amount in our county data; see the official fee schedule.
E-filing0 yes, 0 no, 57 unverified among 57 listed counties
State deposit return deadline
  • 30 calendar days after termination of the lease and delivery of possession by the lessee.
Deposit statuteN.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1

Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

Which county is the rental in?

Does your claim fit the limit?

Enter the amount you would ask the court to award.

The comparable claim limit ranks 39 among 45 jurisdictions with a comparable amount; median $10,000. Ties share a rank. Computed from state data, not measured.

From a letter to court

  1. Calculate the return date and send a letter using your own move-out date, deposit and state conditions.
  2. Keep the letter, delivery proof, lease, payment records and photos.
  3. Use your county guide and court's official instructions to check the filing location and fee.

Calculate your deadline and next letter

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Details of the return rules
North Dakota statutory deadlines
When it appliesDeadlineStarts from
Deposit return30 daysafter termination of the lease and delivery of possession by the lessee

North Dakota return rule: 30 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.

Free North Dakota template, built from verified state data

Methodology: every statute verified against primary sources. See how verification works.

I rented [rental property address] from [lease start date] to [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I returned the keys on [date] and gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date]. Under North Dakota law (N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1), a landlord must return the deposit or send a written, itemized list of deductions within 30 calendar days after termination of the lease and delivery of possession by the lessee.

Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.

How to file

Forms: Court forms and filing information

File online: No

Statewide filing fee: For filing a claim affidavit $20 (effective July 1, 2025; NDCC § 27-05.2-03).

How papers are served:

  • certified mail by clerk
  • private process server

Attorneys allowed: Yes

Small Claims Court Filing Fee [NDCC 27-05.2-03(e)]: Increased from $10 to $20.

Official source · Accessed

Who do you name in the claim?

Compare the name on the lease and deposit receipt with the property record and the North Dakota Secretary of State. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant. Confirm the defendant with the court or legal aid.

What to bring to the clerk

  • Lease and deposit receipt or payment record.
  • Demand letter and proof of delivery.
  • Move-out photos, inventory and any itemized deductions.
  • Your calculation and the cited deposit statute.

What you can recover

lessor liable for treble damages for any security deposit money withheld without reasonable justification Bad faith required: No.

This is class P1, found in 36 of 51 jurisdictions. Computed from cited state records, not measured outcomes.

Statute says

A lessor is liable for treble damages for any security deposit money withheld without reasonable justification.

N.D. Cent. Code § 47-16-07.1

What this means

Tenant resources

FAQ

Which court handles a security deposit claim in North Dakota?

District Court (small claims). Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.

What is the deposit claim limit in North Dakota?

The comparable general deposit claim limit is $15,000. Check the court and claim type that applies.

What is the return deadline in North Dakota?

30 calendar days

What's next?