Some do not run a credit check at all. State help is also there through the South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) and local housing offices. With the right steps, you can get approved. A past mistake does not have to block your path to a safe home.

Ready to find a home that says yes? Fill out the short form on this page. Tell us a little about what you need. We will help match you with second chance apartments in South Dakota that fit your situation. It is quick, simple, and the first step toward your fresh start.

What “Second Chance” Housing Actually Means in South Dakota

A second chance apartment is a rental for people who were turned down before. Maybe you lost a home. Maybe your credit score dropped. Maybe you have a record. A normal landlord might say no fast. A second chance landlord takes a closer look.

These homes are real apartments. They are not shelters. You sign a lease. You pay rent each month. You get your own door and your own space. The big difference is the screening. The landlord is willing to give you a chance when others will not.

In South Dakota, this kind of housing is growing. Cities like Sioux Falls and Rapid City have landlords who work with hard cases. Some charge a little more up front. Others just want to see that you are steady now. The goal is simple: a safe place to live while you rebuild your life.

Who These Apartments Are For

Second chance apartments help many kinds of renters. You are not alone. Life throws curveballs. These homes are built for people who need a fresh start. Here is who they fit best.

Renters With a Past Eviction or Broken Lease

An eviction stays on your record for years. It scares many landlords. But a second chance landlord may still work with you. They want to know what happened. Did you lose a job? Did you get sick? If you can show you are stable now, you have a real shot. A broken lease works the same way. Be honest, and many will listen.

Applicants With Low or Damaged Credit

A low credit score is common. Medical bills, old debt, or a rough year can hurt it. Some South Dakota landlords do not focus on credit much. They look at your income instead. They want to see that you can pay rent each month. A steady paycheck often means more than a number on a report.

People With a Felony or Misdemeanor Record

A criminal record can make renting hard. Many doors close. But second chance housing can open some back up. A felony or misdemeanor does not always mean no. It depends on the crime and how old it is. A small charge from years ago is viewed more kindly than a recent, serious one. Each landlord sets their own rule.

First-Time Renters and Those Rebuilding After Hardship

Never rented before? You may have no rental history at all. That can be a barrier too. Second chance apartments welcome first-time renters. They also help people starting over after a divorce, a job loss, or a tough stretch. If you are rebuilding, these homes meet you where you are.

Where to Find Second Chance Apartments Across South Dakota

Homes like these are spread across the state. Big cities have the most. Small towns have fewer but still some. Here is where to look.

Sioux Falls and the Minnehaha County Area

Sioux Falls is the largest city in South Dakota. It has the most options. You can find transitional rentals, flexible leases, and landlords who accept records. Some units offer same-day move-in. The area around Minnehaha County has many choices. Rent here is often fair for the space you get.

Rapid City and the Black Hills Region

Rapid City sits near the Black Hills. It is the second biggest city in the state. It has second chance rentals too. The market is smaller than Sioux Falls, but good homes are there. Local property managers sometimes work with renters who have past issues. It is worth calling around.

Aberdeen, Watertown, and Mitchell

These mid-size towns have fewer listings. But they can be easier to get into. Landlords in Aberdeen, Watertown, and Mitchell often know their renters by name. A face-to-face talk can go a long way here. Rent is usually lower than in the big cities too.

Smaller Towns and Rural Rentals

In small towns, you deal with local owners, not big companies. This can help you. A private landlord can say yes based on a good talk. They may skip a strict credit check. Rural rentals are quieter and cheaper. The trade-off is fewer jobs and services nearby.

State and Local Programs Worth Knowing

South Dakota has public help for renters. These programs can lower your cost or help you get approved. They are free to apply for. Learn them well.

South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA)

The South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) is a state agency. It helps people find affordable rentals. It also runs rent help programs. It is a great first stop. Check their resources if you need a home and some support with cost.

Local Public Housing Authorities and Section 8 Vouchers

Each area has a Public Housing Authority (PHA). They run public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers. Here is good news. Most HUD programs, like Section 8 and public housing, do not run a credit check. That helps if your credit is low. Waiting lists can be long, so apply early.

HUD and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties

HUD offers rental help across the state. LIHTC properties are apartments where rent is based on your income. These homes are owned by landlords in a special tax program. They charge less than market rent. Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and many towns have them.

Nonprofits and Community Rental Assistance

Many nonprofits help renters in need. Churches, community funds, and local charities give rent aid. Some help you pay a deposit. Others help you avoid eviction. Groups like East River Legal Services help with housing rights. Ask around. Help is out there.

What Landlords Review Before Approving You

A landlord checks a few things before saying yes. Knowing these helps you get ready. Let us look at the main ones.

Credit Checks and Income Requirements

Most landlords check your credit and your income. They want to know you can pay. A common rule is that rent should be about one-third of your income. If you earn enough, a low credit score may matter less. Bring proof of pay to show you are steady.

Rental and Eviction History

Landlords look at where you lived before. They may call your old landlord. They also check for evictions. A clean past helps. But even with a mark, honesty helps more. Explain the story. Show what changed. Many landlords respect that.

Background and Criminal Record Screening

A background check looks at your record. The landlord sees past charges. They weigh how old and how serious each one is. A minor issue from long ago is often fine. For big or recent crimes, it is harder. Still, some second chance landlords give room here.

How to Strengthen a Weak Rental Application

A weak application is not the end. You can make it stronger. Small steps add up. Here is how to boost your chances.

Offering a Larger Deposit or a Co-Signer

Money talks. A bigger deposit lowers the landlord’s risk. It shows you are serious. A co-signer helps too. This is a person with good credit who signs with you. If you cannot pay, they will. This makes a landlord feel safe about saying yes.

Writing a Letter That Explains Your Situation

A short, honest letter can help a lot. Tell your story in a few lines. Say what went wrong. Say what you fixed. For example: “I lost my job in 2023 and fell behind. I now have steady work and have paid all my bills on time for a year.” This shows growth. Landlords like to see that.

Lining Up References, Pay Stubs, and Proof of Stability

Good references build trust. Ask a boss, a past landlord, or a mentor to speak for you. Bring pay stubs or bank records to prove income. The more proof of a stable life you show, the easier it is for a landlord to trust you.

Step-by-Step: Applying for a Second Chance Apartment

Getting a home takes a clear plan. Follow these steps in order. One at a time, you will get there.

Gathering Your Documents First

Get your papers ready before you apply. You will need a photo ID, proof of income, and bank details. Add your references and your letter too. Having it all set makes you look prepared. It also speeds things up when a good unit opens.

Searching the Right Way and Contacting Managers Directly

Search with smart words. Try “second chance apartments South Dakota” or “apartments that accept evictions near me.” Call managers and ask direct questions. Be polite and honest. Ask if they offer second chance leasing. A kind, clear call can open a door a listing never shows.

Negotiating Lease Terms and Move-In Costs

You can ask for better terms. Maybe a shorter lease to start. Maybe a payment plan for the deposit. Some landlords say yes if you just ask. Read the lease before you sign. Know your rent, your due date, and all the fees.

Costs, Deposits, and What to Budget For

You need to plan for move-in money. Second chance apartments sometimes cost a bit more up front. This covers the landlord’s risk. The table below shows common costs to expect. Numbers are rough guides and will change by city and unit.

Cost Type	Typical Range	What to Know
Security Deposit	$300 – $1,000+	May be higher for a second chance lease
First Month Rent	$500 – $1,100	Due before or at move-in
Application Fee	$25 – $50	Covers the background check
Extra Risk Deposit	$200 – $500	Only with some landlords

Tip: Ask if you can split the deposit over two months. Many landlords will work with you if you ask kindly.

Mistakes to Avoid and Warning Signs of Rental Scams

Sadly, some people prey on renters in need. Scams are real. Stay sharp. Never send money before you see the home. Never wire cash to someone you have not met. If a deal feels too good, it may be fake.

Watch for these red flags. The “landlord” is always out of town. They want a deposit by gift card. They skip a lease or a tour. They rush you to pay fast. A real landlord will show the unit and give you a proper lease. Trust your gut. If it feels wrong, walk away.

Another mistake is hiding your past. If you lie on an application, it can backfire. The truth often comes out in a check. Honesty works better than cover-ups. It builds the trust a second chance needs.

Your Rights as a Renter in South Dakota

You have rights, no matter your past. Fair housing laws protect you. A landlord cannot turn you down based on race, color, religion, sex, family status, national origin, or disability. These rules apply across South Dakota.

You also have the right to a safe, livable home. The heat must work. The home must be sound. If a landlord breaks the lease or the law, you can get help. East River Legal Services and other groups offer free legal aid. Know your rights, and do not be afraid to use them.

Keep records of everything. Save your lease. Save your rent receipts. Save texts and emails with your landlord. If a problem comes up, these papers protect you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do second chance apartments in South Dakota run a credit check?

Some do, and some do not. Many second chance landlords look at income more than credit. Public housing and Section 8 usually skip the credit check. If low credit worries you, ask the landlord before you apply.

Can I rent with a felony on my record in South Dakota?

Yes, you can. It depends on the crime and how old it is. A small or old charge is easier. A recent, serious one is harder. Second chance landlords often give more room than regular ones. Be honest and apply.

How long after an eviction can I qualify?

There is no set waiting time. Some landlords want one or two years of a clean record. Others care less about time and more about your story now. The longer you stay stable, the easier it gets.

What credit score do I need to get approved?

There is no single number. Many second chance homes accept scores under 600. Some have no score rule at all. Strong income and a good letter can make up for a low score.

Are there no-credit-check apartments in Sioux Falls or Rapid City?

Yes. Both cities have rentals that skip the credit check. Private landlords and HUD programs are your best bet. Public housing and Section 8 do not check credit at all.

How much deposit should I expect to pay?

Plan for a deposit of around $300 to $1,000. Second chance leases can cost a bit more up front. Ask if you can pay it in parts. Many landlords will agree.

Does South Dakota have rental assistance for people with bad credit?

Yes. The SDHDA, local housing offices, HUD, and nonprofits all offer help. Most of these programs do not check your credit. They look at your income and your need instead.

Final Takeaway: Finding a Fresh Start in South Dakota

A hard past does not define you. An eviction, bad credit, or a record is just one chapter. It is not the whole book. Second chance apartments in South Dakota are here to help you turn the page.

Take it one step at a time. Gather your papers. Be honest about your story. Reach out to landlords and local programs. Show them the steady, hopeful person you are today. Doors will open. People do get second chances every day, right here in South Dakota.

You deserve a safe place to call home. Your fresh start is closer than you think. Take that first step today.

Start now. Fill out the form on this page, and let us help you find a second chance apartment in South Dakota that fits your life.