All Laws Decoded

Eviction in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls), South Dakota

Where eviction cases are filed in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls), what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)

Eviction court
South Dakota Circuit Court, Second Judicial Circuit (Minnehaha County) — Circuit Court (state trial court; eviction actions filed with the Clerk of Courts) Court page
Filing fee
$72 to file an eviction ($25 filing fee + $40 court automation surcharge + $7 law library fee); sheriff or process-server service fee is extra South Dakota UJS Schedule of Court Costs (rev. July 1, 2026), Civil: Eviction; UJS-109 Checklist for an Eviction Action (rev. 07/2026)
Notice before filing (state law)
No statutory notice to quit. The landlord may file a forcible entry and detainer (eviction) action once rent has been unpaid for three days after it is due. The first legal step is filing and serving a verified complaint and summons. South Dakota rules
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
$1,156/month HUD
Renter households
31,307 (37% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23

Where eviction cases are filed in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)

Eviction cases in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls) are heard by the South Dakota Circuit Court, Second Judicial Circuit (Minnehaha County) (Circuit Court (state trial court; eviction actions filed with the Clerk of Courts)).

Court eviction page · E-filing · Self-help center

The landlord files a Case Filing Statement (UJS-232), Summons (UJS-111) and Verified Complaint (UJS-112) with the Clerk of Courts and has them served by the sheriff or a process server. The tenant's Answer (UJS-119) must be filed and served within 5 days of service (not counting the day of service, weekends or holidays). If the tenant answers, the landlord asks the clerk for a hearing date. Corporations and LLCs need an attorney. E-filing is optional for self-represented parties. Public court-record terminals are on the courthouse 1st and 2nd floors; hearing dates can be checked with the UJS Find Court Date tool (https://ujsfindcourtdate.sd.gov/).

How much it costs to file an eviction in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)

$72 to file an eviction ($25 filing fee + $40 court automation surcharge + $7 law library fee); sheriff or process-server service fee is extra

Statewide fee. A Motion to Waive Filing Fee and Service of Process Fee is available for those who cannot pay (https://ujs.sd.gov/self-help/civil-law-help/fee-waivers/).

Source: South Dakota UJS Schedule of Court Costs (rev. July 1, 2026), Civil: Eviction; UJS-109 Checklist for an Eviction Action (rev. 07/2026)

How eviction cases work locally

Default judgmentIf the tenant does not answer or appear within 5 days of service, the landlord may file a Motion for Default Judgment (UJS-113), supporting statement (UJS-114) and Statement of Military Status (UJS-306); the judge may grant it, require a hearing, or deny it.
Source: Official source
Legal Form Help LineUJS Legal Form Help Line 1-855-784-0004 answers questions about UJS forms (no legal advice).
Source: Official source

The South Dakota eviction process

South Dakota state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls):

  1. Grounds arise: rent unpaid 3 days after it is due, holdover after the lease ends, or a breach that ends the lease (SDCL 21-16-1). No statutory notice to quit has been required since July 1, 2024 (SDCL 21-16-2 repealed)
  2. File verified complaint with summons (SDCL 21-16-6)
  3. Service by sheriff, authorized person, or constable: at least two attempts, one week apart, both within 30 days. On the second attempt the summons may be posted, delivered to a resident, and mailed first class. Optional one-time publication starting on the day of the first attempt (SDCL 21-16-6, 21-16-6.1)
  4. Tenant must appear and plead within 5 days of service, or 30 days after publication if sooner. Continuances over 14 days require a rent undertaking (SDCL 21-16-7)
  5. Trial may be set on 2 days' notice after issue is joined (SDCL 21-16-8)
  6. Judgment for possession, rent, and damages. Attorney fees may be taxed as costs (SDCL 21-16-10, 21-16-11)
  7. Execution for possession is served in the daytime only (SDCL 21-16-12)

Full South Dakota eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Sioux Falls, SD HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$865
1 bedroom$986
2 bedrooms$1,156
3 bedrooms$1,586
4 bedrooms$1,939

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls): $978/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No Minnehaha County landlord-tenant ordinance was identified; South Dakota state law governs evictions.

Eviction help in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)

Free legal help

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)?
Eviction cases in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls) are filed with the South Dakota Circuit Court, Second Judicial Circuit (Minnehaha County).
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)?
$72 to file an eviction ($25 filing fee + $40 court automation surcharge + $7 law library fee); sheriff or process-server service fee is extra.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)?
East River Legal Services; Access to Justice (State Bar of South Dakota).
What is the fair market rent in Minnehaha County (Sioux Falls)?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,156 per month (1-bedroom: $986).

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.