North Dakota Law: Plain-English Guides

Key North Dakota facts

Security deposit deadline

Within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant delivers possession N.D.C.C. § 47-16-07.1(3)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

Rent must be more than 3 days past due; then the landlord must serve a 3-day written notice of intention to evict before filing. N.D.C.C. §§ 47-32-01(4), 47-32-02

Small claims limit

$15,000. Small claims court hears cases for recovery of money, a mobile home park tenant's civil damages claim under N.D.C.C. N.D.C.C. 27-08.1-01(1)

Small estate affidavit

Thirty days after death, a successor may collect the decedent's personal property (money owed, tangible personal property, stock and similar instruments) by presenting an affidavit stating that the entire estate… N.D. Cent. Code §§ 30.1-23-01, 30.1-23-02

Cost of a protective order

There is no filing fee for a civil protection order petition, and the petitioner is not charged a fee for the sheriff to serve the order. N.D.C.C. §§ 14-07.7-02(9), 14-07.7-12(4), 14-07.7-13

Minimum wage

$7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum wage. No scheduled increase has been announced. ND Minimum Wage & Work Conditions Order (N.D. Admin. Code ch. 46-02-07)

Final paycheck if fired

Final wages are due on the next regular payday for the period worked. When the employer ends the job, it must pay by certified mail to an address the employee gives, unless the two sides agree on another method. N.D.C.C. § 34-14-03

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for an action on a contract, obligation or liability, express or implied. North Dakota uses the same period for written and oral contracts. N.D.C.C. 28-01-16(1)