Every tenant deserves safe, fair, and stable housing.
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KNOW YOUR RIGHTS AS A RENTER IN SIOUX FALLS.
YOU HAVE RIGHTS. HERE ARE THE BASICS:
YOU HAVE RIGHTS. HERE ARE THE BASICS:
THE RIGHT TO A LIVABLE HOME
Your landlord must provide safe, sanitary, and habitable housing (working plumbing, heating, water, and no infestations).
They must make necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY
Your landlord must give at least 24-hour notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies).
THE RIGHT TO BE FREE FROM DISCRIMINATION
Landlords cannot deny housing based on race, gender, disability, family status, national origin, or religion.
THE RIGHT TO A FAIR LEASE & EVICTION PROCESS
Landlords cannot change your lease without proper notice.
Evictions must follow legal procedures – you cannot be locked out or forced out without a court order
THE RIGHT TO YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT
Your deposit must be returned within 14 days after moving out, minus any legitimate deductions.
If your landlord withholds it unfairly, you have legal options.
WHAT LANDLORDS CAN & CAN'T DO
WHAT LANDLORDS CAN & CAN'T DO
LANDLORDS CANNOT:
IGNORE ESSENTIAL REPAIRS LIKE HEAT, PLUMBING, OR SAFETY HAZARDS
RETALIATE AGAINST YOU FOR REPORTING HOUSING ISSUES
EVICT YOU WITHOUT FOLLOWING LEGAL PROCEDURES
CHARGE ILLEGAL FEES OR HOLD YOUR DEPOSIT WITHOUT CAUSE
DISCRIMINATE AGAINST YOU
LANDLORDS CAN:
LANDLORDS CAN:
LANDLORDS CAN:
REQUIRE A SECURITY DEPOSIT (BUT MUST RETURN IT PROPERLY).
ENFORCE LEASE TERMS IF THEY FOLLOW STATE LAWS
ENTER THE UNIT WITH PROPER
24-HR NOTICE
EVICT TENANTS ONLY THROUGH LEGAL COURT PROCEDURES.
LEARN MORE: SOUTH DAKOTA LANDLORD-TENANT LAWS
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED:
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR RIGHTS ARE VIOLATED:
STEP 1: COMMUNICATE IN WRITING
Send a certified letter or email requesting repairs and/or addressing issues. Our template letter can help you start.
Keep records of all communications
STEP 2: REPORT THE PROBLEM
Health + Safety Issues
Fair Housing Violation (Discrimination)
Need Support?
STEP 3: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING
Keep a record of emails, texts, photos, and lease agreements.
Proof can protect you from abuses and strengthen your case.
STEP 4: SEEK LEGAL HELP
If your landlord ignores requests, you may have legal grounds to take action.
Need Legal Advice?
SD Law Help (Dakota Plains Legal Services, Access to Justice, and East River Legal Services)
SD State Bar - Free/Low-Cost Help
STEP 5: JOIN THE FIGHT FOR HOUSING JUSTICE
Learn more about NAACP Housing Committee
Connect with Renters - East River Tenant Union
Join the conversation at Good NAtured Monthly Houseless Forum
Disclaimer + Sources
Where this info comes from: Everything on this page is rooted in publicly available .gov resources, including the South Dakota Codified Laws and guidance from the South Dakota Consumer Protection Division, Office of the Attorney General. We do our best to keep things accurate, clear, and simple —because renters deserve to know their rights.
That said, we’ve got to include this little legal note:
This page is here to inform and empower—not to replace legal advice. We’ve worked hard to ensure the information is correct and up-to-date, but laws can change, and every situation is unique. For specific guidance, it’s always best to reach out to a qualified attorney or legal aid provider. Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship.
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