South Dakota Landlord Compliance
Everything you're responsible for as a landlord in South Dakota
Rent control, just-cause eviction, deposits, entry, repairs and recordkeeping, written for people who own or manage a few units, checked against the official sources, and kept current when the rules move.
Jurisdiction
key details
Rent cap · Detail
No statewide cap. No local governmental unit may enact or enforce any measure controlling the amount of rent charged for private residential property.
Deposit cap · Detail
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.
Rent increase notice · Detail
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.
City rules · Detail
§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.
Just cause · Detail
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).
Return deadline · Detail
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.
Nonpayment notice · Detail
The 3-day notice to quit (§21-16-2) was repealed by SL 2024 ch 75 (SB 90); a forcible entry and detainer action lies once rent is unpaid for three days after it is due, with a 5-day summons.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.
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Start from the task. Each route gathers the guides, checklists and forms that apply to it in South Dakota.
Essential local guides
If you're new to owning here, these five cover most of what will come up in your first year.
View All GuidesSouth Dakota Security Deposit Deadline 2026: Landlords Now Have 21 Days to Return the Deposit
A South Dakota landlord who learned the old 14-day deposit return rule by heart now has the wrong number memorized. Since July 1, 2026, Senate Bill 4 pushed the deadline out to 21 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's forwarding address, with the same penalties for getting it wrong that applied before.
Guide
South Dakota Eviction Laws: The Process & Timeline In 2026
Master South Dakota’s 2026 eviction laws. Learn about the 3-day notice, court steps, and tenant rights to ensure a fast, legal, and compliant process.
Guide
8 min
Recent changes
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Rent increase dates and notice
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Obligation tracking with reminders
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Move-in and move-out photos
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Records kept per unit, per tenancy
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Repair requests and responses
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