Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Rapid City

Find the right Tenant attorney in Rapid City, SD

Tenant Law in South Dakota

In Rapid City, South Dakota, relationships between tenants and landlords can sometimes become strained.

Tenants and landlords have many legal rights and responsibilities. In general, these rights don't conflict with one another, as long as both parties are clear about what they are, and act accordingly.

Landlord's Rights in Rapid City, SD

Landlords are, of course, entitled to collect rent from their tenants. If a tenant fails to pay the agreed-upon rent, the landlord is typically able to evict the tenant without too much trouble, though the process can sometimes get fairly complicated.

Landlords also have a right to be compensated for damage to the building that a tenant causes, either intentionally or negligently. Any damage caused by a tenant, besides reasonable wear and tear, can be billed, and the landlord can deduct from the tenant's security deposit to pay for repairs.

Tenant's Rights in Rapid City, SD

The most basic right of a tenant is the right to a living space that's fit for human habitation. This is, after all, what they're paying the landlord to provide. Landlords in Rapid City, South Dakota are under a legal duty to make sure that their apartments are habitable. There are many factors that are considered in determining if an unit is habitable or not, but, generally, an unit will not be deemed habitable if it lacks any of the following: running water, electricity, heat, and protection from the elements (such as proper insulation, and windows that close).

Tenants also have a right to ensure that the common areas of their apartment building are reasonably safe. Landlords are required to make sure that the common areas of their buildings meet Rapid City, South Dakota's building codes, and that there are no conditions that create unnecessary safety hazards. They are required to make, at their own expense, the necessary repairs.

Under the laws of South Dakota, and the United States, discrimination in housing on the basis of race, religion, or gender is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, landlords must not discriminate against renters on the basis of any physical disability. They also have to allow the renter to make reasonable modifications to their apartment, to make it more accessible. Generally, landlords are only required to allow relatively minor and reversible modifications, and tenants cannot compel them to remodel the building, for example. Also, once the tenant leaves, the landlord can bill the tenant for the costs of restoring the apartment to its original condition.

Finally, tenants are legally protected from arbitrary eviction. Landlords generally must have a very good reason to evict a tenant before the lease agreement reaches the end of its term (at this point, they are of course allowed to decline to renew the lease). Of course, if the tenant breaches the lease agreement (such as by failing to pay rent, damaging the property, or violating other reasonable rules the landlord has put in the lease), the landlord, like a party to any other contract, is free to terminate the agreement and evict the breaching tenant.

Can a Rapid City, South Dakota Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Landlords and tenants generally want to avoid conflict with one another. However, conflicts are sometimes unavoidable. If you end up in a major dispute with a landlord or a tenant, a good Rapid City, South Dakota landlord/tenant attorney can help.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Rapid City

Rapid City is located in South Dakota. In fact, it is the second largest city in the state. Just as it has an exciting name, the city also has many attractions for visitors to see! These attractions include Bear Country, the Journey Museum, the Dahl Arts Center, Mt. Rushmore Black Hills Gold Factory Tours, Reptile Gardens, Watiki Indoor Waterpark, Mammoth Site and the Devils Tower National Monument.

Rapid City is amongst the Black Hills. Interestingly, it is home to the longest caves in the world. It also has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S.!

With so much going on in one place, it is natural that the legal force would also have a presence. To support local businesses and residents, Rapid City is home to many experienced attorneys. These attorneys are able to advise clients in all areas of laws and are easily able to handle legal matters.

Overall, Rapid City is a must-see place to visit.

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