Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in South Dakota

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What South Dakota law says

Itemized deductions	Written statement of the specific reason for any withholding within 21 days; if the tenant requests it, an itemized accounting of any amount withheld within 45 days after the tenancy ends. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, other money owed under an agreement, and restoring the premises to move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted). Statute text: "Within forty-five days after termination of the tenancy, upon request of the lessee, the lessor must provide the lessee with an itemized accounting." It does not say when the request must be made. Source: SDCL 43-32-24
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined, but excluded: the landlord may withhold only amounts reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent and other funds due under an agreement, and to restore the premises to their condition at the start of the tenancy, 'ordinary wear and tear excepted.' Within 21 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, the landlord must return the deposit or give a written statement of specific reasons for withholding; an itemized accounting must be provided on request within 45 days. 2026 SB 4 (SL 2026, ch 179) changed the return period from two weeks to 21 days, effective July 1, 2026. Noncompliance forfeits the right to withhold; bad-faith retention allows punitive damages up to $200. No specific rule on painting or carpet. Source: SDCL 43-32-24

Itemized deductions

Written statement of the specific reason for any withholding within 21 days; if the tenant requests it, an itemized accounting of any amount withheld within 45 days after the tenancy ends. Deductions are limited to unpaid rent, other money owed under an agreement, and restoring the premises to move-in condition (ordinary wear and tear excepted).

Statute text: "Within forty-five days after termination of the tenancy, upon request of the lessee, the lessor must provide the lessee with an itemized accounting." It does not say when the request must be made.

Source: SDCL 43-32-24

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined, but excluded: the landlord may withhold only amounts reasonably necessary to cover unpaid rent and other funds due under an agreement, and to restore the premises to their condition at the start of the tenancy, 'ordinary wear and tear excepted.' Within 21 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, the landlord must return the deposit or give a written statement of specific reasons for withholding; an itemized accounting must be provided on request within 45 days.

2026 SB 4 (SL 2026, ch 179) changed the return period from two weeks to 21 days, effective July 1, 2026. Noncompliance forfeits the right to withhold; bad-faith retention allows punitive damages up to $200. No specific rule on painting or carpet.

Source: SDCL 43-32-24

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · South Dakota tenant rights

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.