South Dakota Landlord-Tenant Law Guide
South Dakota's landlord-tenant law provides basic protections with specific requirements for security deposits and rental agreements. The state has relatively landlord-friendly policies with clear eviction procedures.
Security Deposit
Limit: 1 month's rent for security deposits (may be higher with written agreement).
Return Period: 2 weeks after termination of tenancy, or until tenant provides forwarding address, plus 45 days. Must provide itemized statement of damages.
Rent Increases
30 days notice required for month-to-month tenancies (1 week for week-to-week). Must follow lease terms for fixed-term leases.
Entry Notice
Reasonable notice required as specified in lease, typically 24 hours except in emergencies.
Key Statutes
- South Dakota Codified Laws §43-32-6.1 - Security Deposits
- South Dakota Codified Laws §43-32-8 - Landlord Obligations
- South Dakota Codified Laws §43-32-9 - Right of Entry
- South Dakota Codified Laws §21-16-1 - Eviction Process
Common Issues
- Not returning deposits within required timeframe
- Failure to provide itemized deductions
- Entering without reasonable notice
- Not maintaining habitability standards
- Improper eviction procedures