South Dakota Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
A South Dakota rent-to-own agreement is a rental contract that also serves as a purchase agreement, allowing renters the option to buy the property at a later date during the rental period. This arrangement provides a unique opportunity for tenants who wish to transition from renting to owning.

South Dakota Rent-to-Own Lease Agreement
Overview
Process
The process of establishing a rent-to-own agreement involves several key steps:
- Negotiation: The lease contract is created after discussions between the landlord and tenant regarding the terms of the purchase. This negotiation phase is crucial for aligning expectations and responsibilities.
- Finalization: If the rental period proceeds satisfactorily, the tenant can finalize the purchase through a residential purchase agreement. This step marks the transition from tenant to homeowner.
Tenant Assessment
Before entering into a rent-to-own agreement, landlords or property owners should require prospective tenants to complete a rental application. This assessment is vital for evaluating the candidates’ ability to fulfill tenant responsibilities, which include:
- Paying rent on time
- Providing an option consideration fee upfront
Legal References
- Landlord-Tenant Laws: Title 43, Chapter 32 (Lease of Real Property).
- Purchase Agreement Laws: Title 43, Chapter 26, § 43-4-38.
Landlord Resources
Lease of Real Property
The lease of real property in South Dakota is governed by Title 43, Chapter 32. This legislation provides the framework for the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants.
Conveyance Laws
Conveyance laws, which pertain to the transfer of property ownership, are governed by Title 43, Chapter 26 and § 43-4-38. These laws outline the necessary procedures and requirements for property transactions.
Handbook (Guide)
A handbook is available that contains comprehensive information on Landlord-Tenant Rights and Responsibilities. This guide serves as a valuable resource for both landlords and tenants to understand their legal obligations.
Statutes
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-6.1 – Maximum security deposit for residential premises-Larger deposit by mutual agreement
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-24 – Return of security deposit after termination of tenancy-Withholding-Itemized accounting-Forfeiture of withholding rights-Punitive damages
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-12 – Time for payment of rent-Agricultural and wildland-Lodging-Termination of hiring
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-13 – Modification of lease-Written notice by landlord, effect-Termination by tenant
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 57A-3-421 – Collection costs and expenses-Liability of issuer of dishonored check
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-9 – Failure of lessor to repair premises-Lessee’s remedies
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-22(1) – Termination of lease-Agreed term-Mutual consent-Acquisition of superior title by tenant
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-5 – Lease of real property for more than one year-Written contract necessary
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-13 – Modification of lease-Written notice by landlord, effect-Termination by tenant
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-15 – Renewal of hiring of real property presumed unless notice given of termination
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 21-16-1(7) – Grounds for maintenance of action
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 21-16-1(4) – Notice of Termination for Nonpayment
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-18 – Termination of lease by landlord before end of agreed term-Use of premises by tenant contrary to agreement-Neglect of tenant to make repairs
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-32 – Reasonable notice of landlord’s intent to enter-Contents
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-8 – Residential lessor to keep premises in repair-Disrepair caused by lessee-Agreements for repairs in lieu of rent-Liability to third persons unaffected
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-10 – Preservation of premises by lessee
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-27 – Cause of action against lessor for retaliatory conduct
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-28 – Retaliatory conduct-Remedies-Attorney’s fees
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-30 – Disclosure of knowledge of existence of prior manufacturing of methamphetamines
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-25 – Small amount of tenant’s property left on premises presumed abandoned-Disposal by lessor
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 43-32-26 – Storage of tenant’s valuable property left on premises-Lien-Disposal as abandoned after waiting period
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 16-12C-13 – Jurisdiction-Noncontested proceedings with limited damage amount
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. § 21-16-3 – Jurisdiction of courts
- S.D. Codified Laws Ann. §§ 15-2-13(1) – Contract obligation or liability-Statutory liability-Trespass-Personal property-Injury to noncontract rights-Fraud-Setting aside corporate instrument
FAQs
A South Dakota rent-to-own agreement is a rental contract that also serves as a purchase agreement, allowing renters to buy the property later during the rental period. This agreement is finalized after the landlord and tenant negotiate the terms of the purchase.
Before entering a rent-to-own agreement, landlords should have prospective tenants complete a rental application. This helps assess whether the candidates can meet their responsibilities, such as paying rent and providing an option consideration fee upfront.
The relevant landlord-tenant laws in South Dakota are outlined in Title 43, Chapter 32, which covers leases of real property. Additionally, purchase agreement laws are found in Title 43, Chapter 26, § 43-4-38.
A rent-to-own agreement can lead to a purchase agreement if the rental terms are successfully fulfilled. Once the tenant is ready to purchase, they can finalize the transaction with a residential purchase agreement.
The option consideration fee is an upfront payment made by the tenant that secures their right to purchase the property later. This fee is typically credited towards the purchase price if the tenant decides to buy the property.
Yes, a rent-to-own agreement can be modified after it’s signed, but both parties must agree to the changes in writing. It’s important to document any modifications to ensure clarity and enforceability.