Breaking a South Dakota Lease

[Kaleb Carsten]

Hey BP,

I have an interesting question today because I'm on the tenant side right now.  Does anyone know what the South Dakota statute is to break a lease early if there is nothing in the contract? 

Long story short I recently helped my cousin move out of her rented mobile home due to abuse from her live in boyfriend (who is also on the lease).  I spoke with the landlord right away but he didn't have a process for breaking the lease, and I can't seem to find it in the SD statutes. Any advice?

[Kaleb Carsten]

I'll agree with that, but that is why we are trying to figure out what had to be done ahead of time.  The landlord is going to end up (probably) evicting my cousin's ex. We are trying to make sure the landlord isn't screwed while getting her off the lease.