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Free letter · South Dakota · updated 2026

South Dakota Security Deposit Return Letter (Itemized Statement)

The itemized statement South Dakota requires when you keep any part of a deposit — due within 45 days under SDCL §§ 43-32-6.1, 43-32-24 — generated from the deposit settlement in your ledger, with every deduction, the refund and the statute already in it.

Free forever · emailed with a delivery record · reviewed against South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-32 (Lease of Real Property)
45 daysReturn deadline2 weeks; itemized accounting within 45 days on request
1 month’s rentMaximum depositOne month’s rent
NoInterest owedNo
RequiredItemized statementRequired on request

What applies to your South Dakota move-out?

Pick the situation; the rule on each card is South Dakota's statutory minimum — your lease can be more generous to the tenant, never less.

45days
Deductions takenSend the itemized list and the balance within 45 days. Normal wear and tear is never deductible; unpaid rent, damage beyond wear, and charges the lease allows are.Generated in-app from the settlement
45days
Full refundNo deductions to list, but the refund itself is still due within the same period. The statement is your proof of the date.Generated in-app from the settlement
Still due
No forwarding addressSouth Dakota does not pause the clock for a missing address: send to the last known address and keep proof of the attempt.Reference
No
Interest on the depositSouth Dakota does not require interest on a residential deposit — the amount returned is the amount held, less deductions.Reference

What a South Dakota deposit statement must contain

Tenant name(s) and the rental addressPlus the date the tenant surrendered the premises — that is when the 45 days start.
The deposit held, including pet depositsThe full amount received at move-in, so the math adds up from the tenant's side.
Each deduction, described and priced"Damage" is not enough; "carpet replacement, bedroom 2, tenant-caused stain — $240" is. Attach receipts or estimates.SDCL §§ 43-32-6.1, 43-32-24
The balance refunded (or owed)If deductions exceed the deposit, the statement doubles as the demand for the difference.
Sent to the forwarding address, on timeMail it to the address the tenant gave; keep the date and the method. 2 weeks; itemized accounting within 45 days on request.
Landlord signature and dateAnd a copy on file with the lease — the court asks for it if the tenant sues.auto-logged

How it works

1 · Settle the depositAccounting → Deposit Disposition → Settle. Deposit held is pulled from the lease; add each deduction with a description and amount.
2 · Review the statementThe South Dakota deadline, the statute and the deduction list are filled in. Add the forwarding address and receipts.
3 · Send and keep the recordEmailed to the tenant and downloadable for mailing; date, method and the PDF are logged with the tenant — the ledger posts the refund at the same time.

South Dakota deposit return FAQ

How long does a South Dakota landlord have to return a security deposit?

2 weeks; itemized accounting within 45 days on request (SDCL §§ 43-32-6.1, 43-32-24).

What can I deduct from the deposit in South Dakota?

Unpaid rent and charges the lease allows, and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Not routine cleaning, repainting, or carpet wear from ordinary use. Each deduction must be itemized.

Is there a limit on the deposit in South Dakota?

Yes: One month’s rent.

Do I owe interest on the deposit?

No.

What if the deductions are more than the deposit?

The statement shows the balance owed and the tenant is liable for it. The in-app settlement posts the difference to accounts receivable so it is not forgotten.

Settle the deposit and send the South Dakota statement in one step

Deductions, refund, deadline and the statute filled in from your ledger. Free.

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Deadlines and rules are South Dakota's statutory minimums as of 2026, reviewed against South Dakota Codified Laws, Chapter 43-32 (Lease of Real Property). General information for landlords, not legal advice; local ordinances can add requirements.