South Dakota Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free South Dakota security deposit demand letter 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
| Deposit return deadline | 21 days after the tenancy ends and the landlord receives the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions: return the deposit or give a written statement of the specific reasons for withholding. 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). Source: SDCL 43-32-24 |
| Penalty for withholding | A landlord who does not comply loses all right to withhold any part of the deposit. Bad-faith retention, or bad-faith failure to provide the written statement or itemized accounting, adds punitive damages of up to $200. 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. Source: SDCL 43-32-24 |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under SDCL 43-32-24, a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by SDCL 43-32-24.
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.