If you're a landlord in South Dakota, you may be surprised to learn that a Notice to Quit is no longer required before starting an eviction process. Thanks to recent changes in South Dakota law, landlords can now proceed directly to filing an eviction action—saving time in urgent situations, like nonpayment of rent or lease violations.

That said, just because the law doesn't require a Notice to Quit doesn't mean it's always best to skip it. Serving a Notice to Quit can still be a smart first step in many landlord-tenant situations. It gives tenants a final chance to correct the issue or voluntarily move out, which can help you avoid the time and expense of court altogether.

A written notice also helps document your efforts to resolve the problem reasonably, which can reflect well if the matter does reach court. While eviction laws in South Dakota are now more streamlined for landlords, maintaining a paper trail and giving tenants a fair warning can still pay off in the long run.

In short, South Dakota landlords can now skip the Notice to Quit and go straight to eviction—but using it strategically can protect your investment and reduce conflict. If that hasn't worked, and as a landlord you need to move to eviction, we can help at Foley and Foley Law Office, P.C.