North Dakota's expedited eviction procedure can move cases quickly. The 3-day notice and short hearing timeline require landlords to be ready.
North Dakota's eviction process is called an Eviction Action and is governed by NDCC 47-32. Cases are filed in district court at the county level. North Dakota is generally landlord-friendly with reasonably efficient procedures. Uncontested cases typically conclude within four to six weeks of filing.
Eviction Action cases are filed in the district court of the county where the property is located. North Dakota's 53 counties each have access to district courts that handle landlord-tenant matters. The state's smaller population means most district courts have manageable case volumes.
For non-payment of rent, North Dakota requires a 3-day written notice to pay or quit (NDCC 47-32-01). The notice must state the amount owed and inform the tenant that the lease will terminate if payment is not made within three days.
For material lease violations, North Dakota generally requires written notice giving the tenant a reasonable opportunity to cure. The specific period varies based on the violation and lease terms.
For month-to-month tenancies without cause, North Dakota requires 30 days written notice. Deliver notices by personal service, posting and mailing, or certified mail.
After the notice period expires, file an eviction summons and complaint in the district court of the property's county. Filing fees in North Dakota are typically $80 to $145. Service is performed by the sheriff or process server.
The hearing is scheduled within 3 to 15 days of filing under North Dakota's expedited eviction procedure. The tenant must appear at the hearing or file a written response.
North Dakota district court eviction hearings are conducted on accelerated timelines. Bring your lease, the notice you served, proof of service, your rent ledger, and any documentation. The judge will hear both sides and typically issue a ruling at the hearing.
If you prevail, the writ of execution is issued. Tenants can appeal but must post bond and continue rent payments.
Cass County, anchored by Fargo, is North Dakota's most populous county and home to North Dakota State University. The Fargo metropolitan area extends into Minnesota and includes the highest-volume rental market in North Dakota. Cass County eviction filings go to the Cass County Courthouse in Fargo.
Burleigh County, anchored by Bismarck (the state capital), is North Dakota's third-largest county. Burleigh County eviction filings go to the Burleigh County Courthouse in Bismarck. For detailed landlord-tenant law specific to each county — including local court contacts, filing logistics, and procedural details — see Cass County landlord-tenant law and Burleigh County landlord-tenant law.
North Dakota's expedited eviction procedure can move cases quickly, but the 3-day notice and short hearing timeline require landlords to be ready before filing. See the full North Dakota landlord-tenant law guide for notice templates, security deposit rules, and county-specific information across all 53 North Dakota counties.
Once the writ of execution is issued, the sheriff executes the writ. Execution typically occurs within 5 to 10 days. Be present with a locksmith and document the unit's condition.
North Dakota law (NDCC 47-16-30.1) addresses handling of tenant property left behind. Provide notice and reasonable opportunity for retrieval before disposal.