National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in North Dakota?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in North Dakota finish in about 1 to 3 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The North Dakota eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    3 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    3 days after rent is due

    From our guide: “fails to pay rent for three days after the rent is due”

  2. 2Court case

    3 to 15 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Hearing set 3 to 15 days after summons issues

    From our guide: “The appearance time in the summons may not be fewer than 3 nor more than 15 days from the date the summons is issued”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    0 to 5 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Immediate restitution; judge may delay up to 5 days

    From our guide: “gets judgment for immediate restitution, which the judge may delay by no more than five days”

What can slow it down

  • Chapter 47-32 sets no fixed waiting period for the sheriff's execution beyond the optional five-day stay, so actual timing depends on the sheriff's schedule.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full North Dakota eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

North Dakota scores 10 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (most landlord-friendly).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed North Dakota attorney before acting.