How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in South Dakota?

In South Dakota, a landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement for any deductions, within 14 days of move-out. 14 days; up to 45 days to provide a full itemized accounting on request.

What is the small claims limit for a deposit dispute in South Dakota?

Small claims court in South Dakota handles disputes up to $12,000.

← All states

South Dakota security deposit law

⚠️ Not legal advice. DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Return deadline

14 days

14 days; up to 45 days to provide a full itemized accounting on request.

Small claims limit

$12,000

What you need to know

• Deposit due within 14 days (up to 45 for a full itemized accounting on request).
• Bad faith adds up to $200 in punitive damages; deposit generally capped at one month’s rent.

Itemization: Itemized accounting required on request.

Interest: No interest required.

Deposit cap: Capped at 1 month’s rent (more if special conditions justify it).

If they wrongfully withhold: Bad faith: punitive damages up to $200 plus your damages.

Statute: S.D. Codified Laws § 43-32-24

What’s at stake for you?

Deadlines and penalties are state law — check yours, then lock in the evidence.

Your state

Your security deposit ($)

💰 At stake: your $1,500 deposit.

⏱ Deadline: South Dakota landlords must act within 14 days of move-out. 14 days; up to 45 days to provide a full itemized accounting on request.

⚖️ Your leverage: Bad faith: punitive damages up to $200 plus your damages.

🏛 If it comes to it: small claims in South Dakota handles up to $12,000 — no lawyer needed.

None of this matters without evidence.

Document your place in 5 minutes — every photo timestamped and hash-verified.

Protect my $1,500 deposit — free

⚠️ Estimates for general information only — not legal advice and not guaranteed to be accurate. State laws change; verify current law before relying on this. Actual outcomes depend on the facts, your local law, and the courts.

Document my apartment — free

Timestamped, hash-verified photos in under 5 minutes. No credit card.

DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.