Grand Forks County, North Dakota: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Grand Forks County District Court - Small Claims in Grand Forks. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $15,000. North Dakota return time: 30 calendar days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $950. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Grand Forks County District Court - Small Claims |
|---|---|
| City | Grand Forks |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $15,000 (District Court small claims only) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 6 years |
| Deposit statute | N.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.
Details
Limits: $15,000 (District Court small claims only).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit return | 30 days | after termination of the lease and delivery of possession by the lessee |
North Dakota return rule: 30 calendar days. Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Grand Forks County District Court - Small Claims. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Grand Forks County.
- The North Dakota business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. North Dakota Secretary of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Check the North Dakota filing procedure before you go.
Service methods: certified mail by clerk; private process server.
Procedure source (high confidence): Small Claims Court Filing Fee [NDCC 27-05.2-03(e)]: Increased from $10 to $20.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Grand Forks County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $758 | $1,516 | $2,274 | Fits under the $15,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $950 | $1,900 | $2,850 | Fits under the $15,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,378 | $2,756 | $4,134 | Fits under the $15,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,799 | $3,598 | $5,397 | Fits under the $15,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Grand Forks County compare with other North Dakota counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $950: rank 13 of 55 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 47.9% of households rent in Grand Forks County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Stark County | $952 |
| Grand Forks | $950 |
| Grand Forks County | $950 |
| Mercer County | $938 |
| Golden Valley County | $918 |
| Dunn County | $867 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 55 of 57 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Grand Forks County
- Emerado
- Gilby
- Grand Forks
- Inkster
- Larimore
- Manvel
- Niagara
- Northwood
- Reynolds
- Thompson
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- Legal Services of North Dakota: Free civil legal assistance for eligible residents throughout North Dakota and three tribal nations, including evictions, rental repairs and disability accommodations. Applicants aged 60 or older use (866) 621-9886.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Grand Forks County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Grand Forks County?
Grand Forks County District Court - Small Claims is listed. 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. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.