CITY CLERK
Brookings Human Rights Committee
Shari Thornes, City Clerk
311 Third Avenue/PO Box 270
Brookings, SD 57006
605-692-6281 Phone
605-692-6907 Fax
sthornes@cityofbrookings.org
Renters Rights
Landlord Responsibilities
The landlord is required to maintain all electrical, plumbing and
heating systems as required by State law. City requirements include
smoke detection, escape windows in all sleeping rooms and adequate
on-premise parking.
Security Deposits
A landlord may require a security deposit. It may not exceed one
month's rent unless "special conditions" exist which pose a danger
to maintenance of the premises; i.e., waterbed or pet.
When a tenant moves out the landlord is required either to return
the deposit or to provide a written statement showing the specific
reason for not returning it. This must be done within two weeks
after the termination of the lease and the landlord's receipt of
the tenants new mailing address. If the landlord withholds the
deposit the tenant may demand an itemized account of the deposit
withheld. This must be provided within 45 days of request.
Financial Assistance
Heating
Interlakes Community Action
Call for an appointment - 692.6391
Rent
Brookings Housing Redevelopment
1310 Main Ave South
692.1670
Notice of Eviction
The only lawful way to evict a tenant is for the landlord to obtain
a court order signed by a judge. A tenant must be given three days
notice to vacate before an eviction action can be initiated by the
landlord.
Renter's Insurance
Do not assume that your possessions are covered by the landlord
in case of fire or water damage or other disasters. You should
consider renter's insurance. Renter's insurance is designed to
protect you from this type of problem and is available at a fairly
inexpensive rate. For more information contact an insurance agent.
Civil Rights
You cannot be refused rental housing or be given unequal treatment
with respect to finding, obtaining, occupying or enjoying rental
housing because of you race, religion, color, creed, sex, national
origin (does not include citizenship), ancestry, marital status
or disability.
|
