South Dakota: rules and deadlines at a glance

Every 9 topic we track for South Dakota on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how South Dakota compares.

Compare South Dakota with another state →

Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Property division · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Security deposit rules · Eviction notice rules · Property tax rates

General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.

Filing deadlines (statute of limitations)

Property damage	6 years

Claim deadlines Single detailed source

Acknowledge	30 days to acknowledge and act on communications
Accept or deny	No fixed number of days in current rules
Pay	Not set by rule

Small claims limits Single detailed source

Dollar limit	$12,000
Filing fee	$24.84 to $42.84
Lawyers	Allowed

Property division

System	Equitable distribution
Opt-in community property	Special spousal trusts (SDCL ch. 55-17)

Dog bite rules Single detailed source

Rule	One-bite rule
Details	One-bite rule

Shared fault rules

Rule	Slight/gross negligence comparison
When you are barred	Recovery only if your fault is slight compared with the other side's

Security deposit rules Single detailed source

Maximum deposit	1 month's rent
Return deadline	21 days (under a 2026 change)

Eviction notice rules Single detailed source

Notice before filing	No notice; the landlord can file once rent is 3 days late

Property tax rates

Effective rate	1.00%
On a $300,000 home	$3,000 a year