Housing
About Housing Law in South Dakota
Many tenants do not know their rights when dealing with landlords or housing court action. Many have to proceed without legal representation during eviction proceedings or administrative hearings....

Foreclosure
Anyone who rents a house, apartment, or mobile home is a tenant. Renting, also called leasing, is an arrangement by which a landlord gives a tenant temporary possession and use of property for...
Landlord-Tenant
Anyone who rents a house, apartment, or mobile home is a tenant. Renting, also called leasing, is an arrangement by which a landlord gives a tenant temporary possession and use of property for...
Landlord-Tenant - Deposits
DEPOSITS
How can a tenant prevent deposit hassles?
Most landlords require a security deposit (aka damage deposit, rent deposit, etc.) to be paid by a tenant at the beginning of the lease....
Landlord-Tenant - Eviction
EVICTIONS
What is an eviction?
An eviction is when your landlord makes you move out of your home, usually by getting an order from a court, but not always.
What if I'm behind on rent?
Landlord-Tenant - How to Properly Withhold Rent
How to Properly withhold Rent
If your landlord fails to make necessary and reasonable repairs to your rental unit, you may decide to withhold rent. Necessary and reasonable repairs are...
Landlord-Tenant - Lease
THE LEASE
What is a written lease?
Written leases usually state the most important terms of a rental agreement, including the length of the rental period, the amount of rent, and the notice...
Landlord-Tenant - New Property Manager
When New Property Managers Take Over
What happens if my current property manager is replaced?
If a new property manager takes over, you will likely be notified via phone call, mailed...
Landlord-Tenant - Renewing your lease
Renewing a lease generally means signing to a new lease with terms that are the same as or like your current lease. A lease renewal can sometimes be an extension of the current lease. An example...
Landlord-Tenant - Repairs
REPAIRS
A landlord must keep the rental unit in reasonable repair and fit for humans to live in (except for damage caused by the tenant’s fault). This reasonable repair includes keeping all...
Landlord-Tenant - Sublease
SUBLETTING
Subletting is basically the same as a regular lease, with an added step. When subletting takes place; there is a landlord, tenant, and subtenant. The subtenant rents from the...
Mobile Home Parks
How does the law protect tenants who rent space in mobile home parks?
Generally, the law treats tenants who rent lots in a mobile home park the same as tenants of other real property. As such,...
Section 8 Rental Assistance
What is Section 8 housing?
The South Dakota Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program can provide low income families with rental assistance in the form of monthly subsidies or vouchers.
Who...