South Dakota Lease Termination Letter (Ending a Lease Early)

A free South Dakota lease termination letter (ending a lease early) that follows South Dakota law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.

What South Dakota law says

Ending a lease: military, medical, death	Tenant may end a lease early if the landlord fails, within a reasonable time after written request, to put the tenant in quiet possession or make required repairs, or if the greater part of the premises is destroyed other than by tenant negligence. A lease terminable at either party's pleasure ends on notice of a party's death or incapacity; other leases are not ended by death. No state military, medical or senior-care termination right found in ch. 43-32. Source: SDCL 43-32-19(1)-(2); 43-32-23
Ending a lease: domestic violence	If the tenant or a household member is the victim of alleged domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior or stalking, the tenant may terminate and vacate on or before a specified date without early-termination penalty by written notice stating the termination is due to fear of imminent danger or injury, attaching one of: a police report signed in the prior 30 days, a protection order issued in the prior 30 days, or documentation from a licensed health care provider who examined the tenant/household member in the prior 30 days. The tenant owes no early termination fee and no rent for the month following the month in which the tenant vacates. Landlord may not disclose the tenant's forwarding/contact information without consent unless required by law. Source: SDCL 43-32-19(3); 43-32-19.1; 43-32-19.2

Ending a lease: military, medical, death

Tenant may end a lease early if the landlord fails, within a reasonable time after written request, to put the tenant in quiet possession or make required repairs, or if the greater part of the premises is destroyed other than by tenant negligence. A lease terminable at either party's pleasure ends on notice of a party's death or incapacity; other leases are not ended by death. No state military, medical or senior-care termination right found in ch. 43-32.

Source: SDCL 43-32-19(1)-(2); 43-32-23

Ending a lease: domestic violence

If the tenant or a household member is the victim of alleged domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior or stalking, the tenant may terminate and vacate on or before a specified date without early-termination penalty by written notice stating the termination is due to fear of imminent danger or injury, attaching one of: a police report signed in the prior 30 days, a protection order issued in the prior 30 days, or documentation from a licensed health care provider who examined the tenant/household member in the prior 30 days. The tenant owes no early termination fee and no rent for the month following the month in which the tenant vacates. Landlord may not disclose the tenant's forwarding/contact information without consent unless required by law.

Source: SDCL 43-32-19(3); 43-32-19.1; 43-32-19.2

Fill in your letter

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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]

From: [your name], tenant at [rental address]

I am ending my lease early under SDCL 43-32-19(1)-(2); 43-32-23 for this reason: [the reason the law allows, e.g. active military orders].

I have attached [the documents the law requires, e.g. a copy of the orders].

My termination date is [termination date], and I will return the keys by [key return date].

Please return my security deposit, less only lawful deductions, to [forwarding address].

Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________

How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.

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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.