Is South Dakota Landlord-Friendly? What Out-of-State Investors Should Know
South Dakota gets called landlord-friendly for a reason. Here’s what the statutes actually say about deposits, evictions, and rent control — and what still costs you money.
What an Eviction Actually Costs in South Dakota
One recent uncontested eviction we handled in Rapid City cost $986.11, and we had possession of the home back within two weeks of filing. In a lot of states, that sentence would sound like fiction.
What Is Holdover Rent?
Stay past the end of your lease without a renewal and you may be in holdover, often at 1.5 to 2 times the prior rent. Here’s what holdover means and how to avoid it.
What to Do When a Tenant Passes Away
When a tenant passes away, it’s one of the hardest situations a landlord can face, legally and personally. Here’s how to handle it carefully, respectfully, and correctly.
The CO Detector That Probably Saved a Tenant's Life
As with every new property, the first thing we did was install carbon monoxide detectors. Not long after, one went off: a faulty furnace was leaking CO into the unit.
Renters Insurance: Why It's Required, and What It Actually Covers
Some tenants think renters insurance is unnecessary, some think the landlord’s policy covers them, and some think it covers more than it does. All three can backfire.
Best Practices to Avoid Eviction
The best eviction is the one that never has to happen. Most evictions are the end of a series of smaller issues, which means most are preventable.
What Is a Co-Signer? (And How It's Different From a Lease Signer or an Occupant)
Lease signer, occupant, co-signer: the roles sound similar but carry very different responsibilities. Know which one you’re agreeing to before you sign.
Security Deposit Disputes: How to Avoid the #1 Landlord-Tenant Fight
The security deposit causes more landlord-tenant fights than anything else. The good news: almost every dispute is preventable with documentation at move-in and move-out.
What Good Tenant Screening Actually Catches (That a Credit Score Doesn't)
A credit score tells you how someone handles debt, not how they’ll treat your property. Here’s what a real tenant screening process looks at, and why each piece matters.