South Dakota · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

South Dakota security deposit law

In South Dakota, your landlord has 21 days to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026

Short answer

In South Dakota, the deposit limit is: One month's rent. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 21 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives your mailing address or delivery instructions, the landlord must return the deposit or give you a written statement of the specific reasons for keeping any of it.

deposit limit: 1 month's rent (with exceptions)
to return a deposit: 21 days
deposit penalty: See below

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In South Dakota: Within 21 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives your mailing address or delivery instructions, the landlord must return the deposit or give you a written statement of the specific reasons for keeping any of it.
Wait for the deadline: Within 21 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives your mailing address or delivery instructions, the landlord must return the deposit or give you a written statement of the specific reasons for keeping any of it.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $12,000. Small claims court in South Dakota on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for South Dakota

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for South Dakota

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

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Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in South Dakota

Limit: One month's rent. A larger deposit is allowed only if you agree and special conditions pose a danger to the upkeep of the home (for example, a pet).
Deadline to return it: Within 21 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives your mailing address or delivery instructions, the landlord must return the deposit or give you a written statement of the specific reasons for keeping any of it. Give your mailing address in writing.
Itemized list: In two steps. A written statement of specific reasons within 21 days. If you ask, an itemized accounting within 45 days after the tenancy ends. A landlord who doesn't follow these rules loses the right to keep any of the deposit. Receipts are not required by the law.
What may be deducted: Only amounts reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent and other money owed under your agreement, and to restore the home to its move-in condition, minus ordinary wear and tear.
Interest: No statute requires interest.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: The landlord forfeits the right to keep any part of the deposit if the rules aren't followed. Bad-faith withholding, or bad-faith failure to give the statement or accounting, adds punitive damages of up to $200.
Law: SDCL 43-32-6.1, 43-32-24

Small claims court in South Dakota

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $12,000.

How to file in South Dakota

More for South Dakota renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026