South Dakota Deposit Return Deadline
14 days (statement within 45)Under South Dakota law, a landlord generally has 14 days (statement within 45) after move-out to act on your security deposit — 14 days to return the deposit itself; the itemized statement of any deductions may take up to 45 days. The FAQ below covers the details.
Educational information: generated from our South Dakota law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How South Dakota compares
51 of 51 US jurisdictions set a statutory deadline for returning security deposits. Here is how South Dakota compares with other states in our database.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in South Dakota?
- Generally 14 days (statement within 45) after move-out. Maximum 1 month rent for annual leases (no limit for month-to-month until 1 year). Additional deposits for special conditions (e.g., pets) may be allowed. Return within 14 days (45 days for itemized deductions). Failure to return: tenant can recover deposit plus up to $200 and court costs.
- Can a South Dakota landlord keep my deposit for damages?
- Landlords may generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, but must account for deductions. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed.
- What if my South Dakota landlord misses the deposit return deadline?
- Missing the statutory deadline (14 days (statement within 45)) can expose the landlord to statutory penalties. Maximum 1 month rent for annual leases (no limit for month-to-month until 1 year). Additional deposits for special conditions (e.g., pets) may be allowed. Return within 14 days (45 days for itemized deductions). Failure to return: tenant can recover deposit plus up to $200 and court costs.
Check Your Lease Against South Dakota Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with South Dakota law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
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More South Dakota lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota for your specific situation.