Golden Valley, ND Security Deposit Laws 2026
North Dakota limits security deposits to 1 month(s) of rent. In Golden Valley, that's $1,156 at the median 2BR rent of $1,156/month. Miss the 30-day return deadline and you could owe $2,312+.
In North Dakota, landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after move-out. The maximum deposit is 1 month(s) of rent. Failure to return on time or provide an itemized statement can result in penalties of $2,312 or more.
Key Takeaways — Golden Valley Security Deposit Laws
- Maximum deposit: 1 month(s) of rent = $1,156 at Golden Valley's median rent
- Return deadline: 30 days after tenant moves out
- Penalty for late return: Up to 2x the deposit ($2,312)
- Itemized statement: Required with any deductions
Security Deposit Laws in Golden Valley
Under North Dakota law, landlords in Golden Valley may collect a maximum security deposit of 1 month(s) of rent, regardless of whether the unit is furnished or unfurnished. At Golden Valley's median 2-bedroom rent of $1,156/month, that means the most you can legally collect is $1,156.
$1,156
max deposit (1mo × $1,156)
30 days
return deadline
$2,312
max penalty for late return
Returning the Deposit: The 30-Day Clock
Once a tenant moves out of your Golden Valley rental, North Dakota law gives you exactly 30 days to either return the full deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. The clock starts on the day the tenant surrenders possession — not when you inspect the unit.
What you can deduct from a security deposit in Golden Valley:
- Unpaid rent
- Damage beyond normal wear and tear
- Cleaning costs to restore the unit to move-in condition
- Costs for restoring or replacing personal property (if lease allows)
What you cannot deduct:
- Normal wear and tear (minor scuffs, carpet wear, faded paint)
- Pre-existing damage (document with photos at move-in)
- Professional cleaning if the tenant left the unit in reasonable condition
Penalty Warning
Violate North Dakota security deposit laws rules in Golden Valley and you could owe $2,312+. At Golden Valley's median rent of $1,156/month, even a single violation adds up fast.
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How Golden Valley Rents Affect Deposit Amounts
Deposit amounts scale with local rents. Here's what Golden Valley landlords typically collect:
| Unit Size | Median Rent (Golden Valley) | Max Deposit (1mo) | Penalty Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $875/mo | $875 | $1,750 |
| 1-Bedroom | $881/mo | $881 | $1,762 |
| 2-Bedroom | $1,156/mo | $1,156 | $2,312 |
| 3-Bedroom | $1,386/mo | $1,386 | $2,772 |
Rents based on HUD Fair Market Rents (FY2026) for Mercer County.
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More Golden Valley Landlord Laws
Security Deposit Laws in Nearby Cities
Own properties in multiple cities? Rules may differ locally:
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Not ready to start? Get the free Security Deposit Laws checklist for North Dakota landlords.
Download Free ChecklistReviewed by Rachid Abadli
Founder & CEO, LeaseBase · Sacramento landlord · Self-managing since 2019
LeaseBase is a property management platform — not a law firm. Consult an attorney for legal advice specific to your situation.
