South Dakota § 21-16-1 - Grounds for maintenance of action.

Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 21-16-1 — Grounds for maintenance of action., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 21-16-1. Grounds for maintenance of action.

An action of forcible entry and detainer, or of detainer only, is maintainable:

(1)    If a party has by force, intimidation, fraud, or stealth, entered upon the prior actual possession of real property or the occupied structure of another, and detains the same;

(2)    If a party, after entering peaceably upon real property or an occupied structure, turns out by force, threats, or menacing conduct, the party in possession;

(3)    If a party by force or by menaces and threats of violence unlawfully holds and keeps the possession of any real property, or occupied structure, whether the same was acquired peaceably or otherwise;

(4)    If a lessee in person or by subtenants holds over after the termination of his lease or expiration of his term, or fails to pay his rent for three days after the same shall be due;

(5)    If a party continues in possession after a sale of the real property or occupied structure under mortgage, execution, order, or any judicial process, after the expiration of the time fixed by law for redemption, and after the execution and delivery of a deed or instrument of ownership;

(6)    If a party continues in possession after a judgment in partition, or after a sale under an order or decree of a circuit court;

(7)    If a lessee commits waste upon the leased premises, or does or fails to perform any act which, under the terms of the lease operates to terminate the same.

The term, occupied structure, used in this chapter is defined in subdivision 22-1-2(28).

Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 37.3902; SL 1992, ch 156, § 1.

Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 21-16-1

What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 21-16-1 cover?

Section 21-16-1 ("Grounds for maintenance of action.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite South Dakota § 21-16-1?

A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 21-16-1" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of South Dakota law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.

How does South Dakota § 21-16-1 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.