South Dakota 21-Day Security Deposit Rule (2026)

Effective under the current codified law following the 2026 amendment, a residential lessor must within 21 days after termination of the tenancy and receipt of the tenant’s mailing address or delivery instructions either return the deposit or provide a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding.

Last reviewed: August 30, 20262 official sources cited

Current deadline21 days

Replaced the prior two-week rule in 2026.

TriggerTermination + address/instructions

Both facts matter.

Timeline checklist

Tenancy termination date.
Date mailing address or delivery instructions were received.
Date deposit was returned or written withholding statement was furnished.

South Dakota changed the residential deposit timeline in 2026. Use the current 21-day rule, not older two-week summaries. Educational information only.

Official sources

South Dakota LegislatureSDCL 43-32-24 — Return and withholding of security deposit ↗

Current codified law reflecting the 2026 amendment: 21-day return/statement, 45-day requested itemized accounting, ordinary-wear protection and remedies.

South Dakota Legislature2026 Session Law, Chapter 179 (SB 4) ↗

Official 2026 act changing the residential security-deposit procedure, including the move from two weeks to 21 days.

Related South Dakota guides

Security Deposit →1-Month Limit →45-Day Accounting →Ordinary Wear →