Wells County, North Dakota: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Wells County District Court - Small Claims in Fessenden. 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: $615. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Wells County District Court - Small Claims |
|---|---|
| City | Fessenden |
| 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: Wells 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 Wells 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 Wells 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 | $606 | $1,212 | $1,818 | Fits under the $15,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $615 | $1,230 | $1,845 | Fits under the $15,000 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $781 | $1,562 | $2,343 | 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 Wells County compare with other North Dakota counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $615: rank 48 of 55 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 26.5% of households rent in Wells County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| McHenry County | $621 |
| Billings County | $618 |
| Wells County | $615 |
| LaMoure County | $595 |
| Eddy County | $590 |
| Nelson County | $569 |
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 Wells County
- Bowdon
- Cathay
- Fessenden
- Hamberg
- Harvey
- Hurdsfield
- Sykeston
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 Wells County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Wells County?
Wells 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.