South Dakota security deposit law
Did your landlord keep your deposit? Here's what South Dakota law requires — and what they owe you if they broke it.
Return deadline
14 days
Max penalty
Full deposit
Small claims limit
$12,000.00
The deadline
Under S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24, your landlord must return your deposit or send an itemized list of deductions within 14 days after you move out (45 days to provide itemized statement).
If they miss it or withhold in bad faith
Recovery of deposit; 45 days to itemize deductions.
Deductions that usually aren't allowed
- Normal wear and tear (faded paint, light carpet wear, small nail holes)
- Routine repainting or carpet cleaning between tenants
- Damage that existed before you moved in
- Charges with no receipts or itemization
How to get it back
Send a formal demand letter by certified mail citing S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24, give the landlord 14 days to pay, then file in South Dakota small claims court (up to $12,000.00) if they don't.
Check your case in 3 minutes — free
We'll check your dates and every deduction against South Dakota law and show what you're owed.
Run South Dakota auditInformational only, not legal advice. Verify current law before relying on it.