Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in North Dakota?

Yes — North Dakota law requires interest on held security deposits for leases of 9+ months. Maximum 1 month rent (unfurnished), 1.5 months (furnished), 2 months (felony/violation history). Pet deposit up to $2,500 or 2 months rent. Must hold in interest-bearing account. Return within 30 days. Penalty: 3x amount wrongfully withheld.

How large can the deposit itself be in North Dakota?

North Dakota generally allows at most 1 month's rent (unfurnished units) as a security deposit.

When do I get my security deposit back in North Dakota?

Generally within 30 days after move-out, together with any interest owed.

North Dakota Deposit Interest Rules

interest required (leases of 9+ months)

North Dakota is one of 14 US jurisdictions that require landlords to pay interest on security deposits in covered rentals — the FAQ below covers which tenancies qualify. If your lease is silent about interest, the statutory obligation still applies where it covers you.

Educational information: generated from our North Dakota law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.

How North Dakota compares

14 of 51 US jurisdictions require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Here is how North Dakota compares with other states in our database.

State	Deposit Interest Rules
North Dakota	interest required (leases of 9+ months)
Ohio	interest required (excess amounts, tenancies of 6+ months)
Oklahoma	no interest required
Oregon	no interest required
Pennsylvania	interest required (deposits held 2+ years)

Frequently asked questions

Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in North Dakota?: Yes — North Dakota law requires interest on held security deposits for leases of 9+ months. Maximum 1 month rent (unfurnished), 1.5 months (furnished), 2 months (felony/violation history). Pet deposit up to $2,500 or 2 months rent. Must hold in interest-bearing account. Return within 30 days. Penalty: 3x amount wrongfully withheld.
How large can the deposit itself be in North Dakota?: North Dakota generally allows at most 1 month's rent (unfurnished units) as a security deposit.
When do I get my security deposit back in North Dakota?: Generally within 30 days after move-out, together with any interest owed.

Check Your Lease Against North Dakota Law

Not sure whether your lease complies with North Dakota law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.

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More North Dakota lease law guides

Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in North Dakota for your specific situation.