Everything you're responsible for as a landlord in South Dakota

No statewide cap. No local governmental unit may enact or enforce any measure controlling the amount of rent charged for private residential property.

Security deposit, however denominated, may not exceed one month's rent, except a larger deposit may be agreed where special conditions pose a danger to maintenance of the premises.

For month-to-month leases the landlord may modify terms including rent by written notice at least 30 days before the end of the month, effective at month end; tenant may terminate by notice within 15 days of receipt. Fixed-term rent changes only per the lease.

§6-1-13 (1990) bars local rent control of private residential property (local governments may still manage property they own). No local just-cause ordinances known.

Residential tenancy at will may be terminated by the landlord on not less than 15 days' notice without cause (reduced from 30 days by SL 2024 ch 178); two months for active-duty military households. Month-to-month leases: notice as long as the term, max one month (§43-32-15).

Within 21 days after termination of the tenancy AND receipt of the tenant's mailing address/delivery instructions, return the deposit or give a written statement of reasons for withholding; itemized accounting on request within 45 days. Amended by SL 2026 ch 179 (SB 4) from two weeks.

The 3-day notice to quit (§21-16-2) was repealed by SL 2024 ch 75 (SB 90); a forcible entry and detainer action lies once rent is unpaid for three days after it is due, with a 5-day summons. No pre-filing cure notice unless the lease requires one.