Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in South Dakota

South Dakota: return the deposit within 21 calendar days of the later of the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address. 14 calendar days after the later of the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address if The tenancy ended before SB 4 took effect (2026-07-01) (Before SB 4 (SL 2026 ch 179) the period was two weeks. Effective date assumed 2026-07-01 (South Dakota default; the act has no emergency clause)). Itemized accounting of any deposit withheld, within 45 days after termination, upon the tenant's request. Interest: no. Penalty if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed): forfeiture of the right to withhold (plus up to $200.00). (S.D. Codified Laws 43-32-24)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 21 calendar days after the later of the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, other lease obligations, cleaning to move in condition, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: forfeiture of the right to withhold (plus up to $200.00) if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed).
Deposit cap: 1 month(s) of rent.

The rule text

Every lessor of residential premises shall, within twenty-one days after the termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's mailing address or delivery instructions, return the security deposit described in § 43-32-6.1 to the tenant or furnish to the tenant a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding the deposit, or any portion of the deposit.

S.D. Codified Laws 43-32-24. Source: SDCL 43-32-24 Return of security deposit after termination of tenancy, read 2026-10-09.

Notes on this rule (1)

Many secondary guides still say 14 days; the code was amended in 2026.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: October 21, 2026
21 calendar days after the later of the end of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant's forwarding address.
Allowed deductions: $1,650.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $350.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: S.D. Codified Laws 43-32-24 (South Dakota)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Cleaning                               -$150.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,650.00
Refund due to tenant                               $350.00
Return by                                   October 21, 2026

Notes:
- Itemized under S.D. Codified Laws 43-32-24.

Settle a deposit in South Dakota

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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