Cass County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything North Dakota landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer in Cass County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Cass County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Cass County District Court
- Address: 211 9th St. S, Fargo, ND 58103
- Phone: (701) 241-5750
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Case type: Forcible Entry and Detainer
⚠️ Cass County — What Landlords Should Know
Cass County (Fargo) uses District Court for FED actions.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Cass County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Cass County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Cass County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 3-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 3-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per North Dakota law.
File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer at Cass County District Court
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Cass County District Court (211 9th St. S, Fargo, ND 58103). The filing fee is $80. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Cass County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $25. You must NOT serve the summons yourself — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Cass County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The North Dakota Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in North Dakota.
Cass County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $80 | Paid to Cass County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $25 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$21–$25 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $400–$1500 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions — Cass County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Cass County?
The typical Cass County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Cass County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Cass County?
The court filing fee in Cass County is $80. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($25), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$21–$25), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $126–$130.
What court handles evictions in Cass County?
Evictions in Cass County are filed at the Cass County District Court, located at 211 9th St. S, Fargo, ND 58103. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer.
Can I file an eviction online in Cass County?
Cass County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Cass County District Court.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Cass County?
North Dakota law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Cass County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Cass County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in North Dakota.
See full North Dakota eviction laws and notice requirements.
North Dakota Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in North Dakota.
North Dakota Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Cass County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Cass County →Relevant North Dakota Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: N.D.C.C. § 47-32-01
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current North Dakota statutes or a licensed Cass County attorney.