SDCL § 43-32-24: South Dakota security deposit rules in plain English
What SDCL § 43-32-24 says about South Dakota security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 21 days
- The 21 days start once the tenancy has ended and the landlord has your mailing address or delivery instructions, so give it in writing.
- 21 days applies from July 1, 2026 (SB 4); before that the deadline was two weeks.
- Maximum deposit
- 1 month's rent. A larger deposit is allowed only by agreement of landlord and tenant where special conditions pose a danger to maintenance of the premises. Any money deposited to secure the rental agreement counts as a security deposit, however it is labelled (§ 43-32-6.1).
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- No interest requirement in §§ 43-32-6.1 or 43-32-24.
What SDCL § 43-32-24 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
1 month's rent. A larger deposit is allowed only by agreement of landlord and tenant where special conditions pose a danger to maintenance of the premises. Any money deposited to secure the rental agreement counts as a security deposit, however it is labelled (§ 43-32-6.1).
Interest
No interest requirement in §§ 43-32-6.1 or 43-32-24.
Full citation: SDCL §§ 43-32-6.1, 43-32-24 Read the official text
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FAQ: SDCL § 43-32-24
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under SDCL § 43-32-24?
Under SDCL § 43-32-24, a South Dakota landlord has 21 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. The 21 days start once the tenancy has ended and the landlord has your mailing address or delivery instructions, so give it in writing. 21 days applies from July 1, 2026 (SB 4); before that the deadline was two weeks.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in South Dakota?
1 month's rent. A larger deposit is allowed only by agreement of landlord and tenant where special conditions pose a danger to maintenance of the premises. Any money deposited to secure the rental agreement counts as a security deposit, however it is labelled (§ 43-32-6.1).
Does South Dakota require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: SDCL §§ 43-32-6.1, 43-32-24.
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in South Dakota?
No interest requirement in §§ 43-32-6.1 or 43-32-24.
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Scan my South Dakota leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.