When a renter in South Dakota can’t obtain necessary repairs, before beginning a court case it’s usually possible to file a report with the proper government departments about the unsafe conditions on the property. Code inspectors have the power to order repairs or fine noncompliant landlords.
What Are Considered Unsafe Living Conditions in South Dakota?
In South Dakota, unsafe living conditions exist when a rental property doesn’t have safe and working:
- Plumbing.
- Required utilities.
- Heating.
- Required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors.
- Common areas.
- Features that affect health, safety, or habitability.
What Should Tenants Do Before Reporting a Violation in South Dakota?
In most cases, before reporting a violation, a tenant in South Dakota must notify the landlord about the issue and ask him to fix it within a “reasonable time” (determined case by case).
How Can Tenants Report a Violation in South Dakota?
Tenants in South Dakota should report violations to the local office or officers responsible for housing code enforcement. The exact process depends on municipality.
| Location | Organization | Contact |
| Sioux Falls | Property Maintenance | Online Form |
| Rapid City | Code Enforcement | Call (605) 355-3465 or email |
| Aberdeen | Planning, Zoning & Code Enforcement | Online Form |
After receiving a complaint, an inspecting officer might contact the tenant for more information. Then the officer will usually inspect the property and cite the landlord for any code violations.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Sioux Falls?
A tenant in Sioux Falls can report a health or safety violation by calling Property Maintenance at (605) 978-6900 or using the provided online form. Enter a location, attach photos if available, describe the issue in detail, and submit.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Rapid City?
A tenant in Rapid City can report a health or safety violation by calling Code Enforcement at (605) 355-3465 or via email. The department requires a specific address and detailed issue description. Contact information is preferred, but not required.
How Can a Tenant Report a Health or Safety Violation in Aberdeen?
A tenant in Aberdeen can report a health or safety violation by calling Planning, Zoning & Code Enforcement at (605) 626-7017 or by contacting the department director using the provided online form. Provide contact information as indicated, as well as a specific address and a detailed issue description.
What Could Happen to a Landlord After a Complaint Is Made in South Dakota?
After a tenant files a complaint about unsafe living conditions in South Dakota, an officer may inspect the property. The landlord must fix noted code violations. Otherwise, the landlord could be fined and the local government might file to condemn the property.
Sources
- 1 S.D. Laws § 43-32-8 (2023)
-
“In every hiring of residential premises, whether in writing or parol, the lessor shall keep the premises and all common areas in reasonable repair and fit for human habitation and in good and safe working order during the term of the lease except when the disrepair has been caused by the negligent, willful or malicious conduct of the lessee or a person under his direction or control. The lessor shall maintain in good and safe working order and condition all electrical, plumbing, or heating systems of the premises, except when the disrepair has been caused by the negligent, willful or malicious conduct of the lessee or a person under his direction or control…”
Source Link - 2 S.D. Laws § 43-42-9 (2023)
-
“If within a reasonable time after notice to the lessor of conditions requiring repair to make the premises fit for human habitation and to place the same in good and safe working order which the lessor ought to repair he neglects to do so, the lessee may repair the same himself and deduct the expense of such repairs from the rent, or otherwise recover it from the lessor; or the lessee may vacate the premises, in which case he shall be discharged from additional charges of rent or performance of other conditions.”
Source Link
