Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Sioux Falls

Find the right Tenant attorney in Sioux Falls, SD

Tenant Law in South Dakota

In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, relationships between tenants and landlords can occasionally become strained.

Tenants and landlords have numerous 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 Sioux Falls, 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 usually able to evict the tenant without too much trouble, though the process can sometimes get fairly complicated.

Landlords also have a right to be paid for damage to the building that a tenant causes, either intentionally or negligently. All 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 Sioux Falls, 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 present. Landlords in Sioux Falls, South Dakota are under a legal duty to make sure that their apartments are habitable. There are numerous factors that are considered in deciding 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).

In addition to habitable living spaces, tenants also have a right to reasonably safe common areas. Common areas contain lobbies, hallways, and stairwells - essentially anything that everyone living in an apartment complex has access to. These common areas must fulfill the building standards of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and must not contain any unnecessary safety hazards.

In the United States, and most likely under the rules of South Dakota, it is unlawful for renters or sellers of real estate to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin, color, or religion. Doing so can subject a landlord to harsh civil penalties. Furthermore, they cannot discriminate based on physical disabilities, either. Tenants with physical disabilities, who are otherwise qualified to rent an apartment (they are able to pay, have good credit, etc.) are entitled to make reasonable modifications to the apartment to make it more accessible to them, and the landlord generally can't bar a tenant from doing this, as long as the modifications are not too extensive, and are reversible. The landlord can, however, require the tenant to remove the modifications, at the tenant's expense, when they move out.

Lastly, tenants in most states have a right to be free from unfair eviction. Typically, lease agreements last for a set period of time, and both parties are bound by that contract. Landlords cannot arbitrarily evict clients while the lease is still in effect.

Can a Sioux Falls, South Dakota Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Landlords and tenants almost always prefer to prevent conflict. In a perfect world, tenants would pay rent on time, and landlords would always provide the services that they're being paid for. As we know, the world isn't perfect. When situations demonstrate the world's imperfection, a Sioux Falls, South Dakota real estate attorney can help, whether you're a landlord or a tenant.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Sioux Falls

With a population of about 153,000, Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota. Over the recent decades, Sioux Falls, South Dakota has become one of the most important centers for retail trade, health care, and financial services in the area. Sioux Falls was chartered in 1856 and is home to many large corporations such as Citigroup and Wells Fargo.

In addition to being a vital economic hub for the region, Sioux Falls South Dakota boasts a number of attractions and local events. Every year the city hosts arts culture events like the "Festival of Bands", "Jazz Fest", and an unique "Sculpture Walk" cataloguing the history and progress of the city.

Sioux Falls is also home to Empire Mall, the largest one-story shopping mall in the U.S. With its unique mix of economic growth and its thriving arts culture scene, many residents and visitors appreciate the mix of opportunities that Sioux Falls offers.

Lawyers in Sioux Falls, South Dakota practice law in wide range of legal fields to serve community needs. Many Sioux Falls lawyers contribute to civic and social activities through organizations like the State Bar of South Dakota.

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