East River Legal Services
Free civil legal help in 33 eastern counties. Evictions, repairs and lease problems. Sioux Falls office.
Official page: erlservices.org
Free Legal and Tenant Help in South Dakota: Legal Aid, Eviction Steps and Deposits
Where to get free legal help in South Dakota, what to do about an eviction notice, how security deposits work, and forms help from the state courts.
Need help tonight?
Start here
Hi friend. If you got court papers or an eviction notice, take a breath. Call legal aid right away. Court papers have short deadlines, and free help may be available.
Quick answers
Where can I get free legal help?
Apply at sdlawhelp.org, which sends your application to the best program. Or call East River Legal Services at 605 336 9230 or 800 952 3015, Dakota Plains Legal Services at 605 856 4444, or Access to Justice at 855 287 3510.
Official page: ujs.sd.gov/self-help/get-legal-help
Which office covers me?
East River Legal Services serves residents of 33 eastern counties, including Minnehaha, Lincoln, Brookings, Brown and Yankton. It helps with evictions, repairs and lease termination. Dakota Plains has offices including Rapid City at 202 East Saint Joseph St, 605 342 7171, open Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 4 pm. Most offices are closed Fridays.
Official page: dpls.org/contact-us
I got an eviction summons. What do I do?
Read the summons today and note the deadline. Call legal aid right away. The state court site has a tenant packet with an Answer for Eviction form (UJS 119), a Case Filing Statement (UJS 232) and a Statement of Mailing (UJS 120). Ask the court clerk if you have questions about filing.
Official page: ujs.sd.gov/self-help/civil-law-help/evictions
How do security deposits work?
After a lease ends, you move out and leave a forwarding address, the landlord has two weeks to return your deposit or give a written statement with the reasons for keeping it. The Security Deposit Assistance Program helps eligible renters cover deposits through local partner agencies. Call 211 to ask.
Official page: sdhousing.org/ready-to-rent/rental-assistance
Can I get help with court forms?
The Legal Form Help Line at 1 855 784 0004 answers questions about court forms. It does not give legal advice. The state court site also lists Free Legal Answers and a mobile Justice Bus from Dakota Plains Legal Services.
Official page: ujs.sd.gov/self-help/get-legal-help
Your next steps
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All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: take photos of your lease, your notice and any rent receipts, and keep them in your email. If you cannot pay on time, tell legal aid when you call.
Who to call in South Dakota
Here are official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Dakota Plains Legal Services
Free civil legal help. Offices in Mission, Rapid City, Pine Ridge and more. Call the Mission office, 605 856 4444.
Official page: dpls.org/contact-us
Access to Justice
Listed by the South Dakota courts as a legal help option. Pierre.
Official page: ujs.sd.gov/self-help/get-legal-help
South Dakota Unified Judicial System, Legal Form Help Line
Answers questions about court forms. No legal advice.
Official page: ujs.sd.gov/self-help/get-legal-help
South Dakota Unified Judicial System, Evictions
Tenant packet and steps for answering an eviction.
Official page: ujs.sd.gov/self-help/civil-law-help/evictions
SD Housing, Rental Support
Rental help options and the Security Deposit Assistance Program. Ask 211 where to start.
Official page: sdhousing.org/ready-to-rent/rental-assistance
More help in South Dakota
Housing help in South Dakota (rent, eviction, utilities)Find Help in South Dakota: Where to Start with 211, SNAP, Medicaid and IDEmergency Shelter Tonight in South Dakota: Sioux Falls, Rapid City and How to Get HelpNo cost Food Help in South Dakota: SNAP, WIC and Food BanksNo cost Clothing, Showers and Hygiene Help in South DakotaFree Job Help and Job Training in South Dakota: Job Service, SDWORKS and WorkshopsHealth and Mental Health Help in South Dakota: Medicaid, Clinics and 988Domestic Violence Safety and Housing Help in South DakotaVeterans Help in South Dakota: Housing, Health Care and BenefitsHelp for Youth and Young Adults in South Dakota: Shelter, Outreach and Job CorpsGetting an ID and Documents Back in South Dakota: State ID, Birth Certificate and Social Security CardFree and Low Cost Phone and Internet Help in South DakotaHow to Make Blessing Bags in South Dakota: Safe Food, Water and Cold Weather Tips
Sources last checked Oct 28, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.