Landlord Tenant Laws in South Carolina (SC)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
South Carolina's landlord-tenant laws are governed by S.C. Code § 27-40-10 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of F (Very Landlord-Friendly) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. South Carolina follows the URLTA but is fairly landlord-friendly. No deposit cap, no rent withholding, and no repair-and-deduct remedy. Landlords must return deposits within 30 days.
Security Deposit Rules in South Carolina
South Carolina does not impose a statutory cap on security deposits, meaning landlords can charge any amount they choose. However, excessively high deposits may discourage prospective tenants and could be challenged in court as unconscionable. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in South Carolina
In South Carolina, a landlord must provide 5 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in South Carolina.
Tenant Rights in South Carolina
South Carolina does not provide rent withholding or repair-and-deduct remedies for tenants. When a landlord fails to maintain the property, the tenant's primary recourse is to file a complaint with local code enforcement or pursue a civil lawsuit. This puts tenants at a significant disadvantage when facing habitability issues.
Rent Control in South Carolina
South Carolina has preempted local rent control, meaning cities and municipalities within the state are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice, subject only to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws.
Landlord Obligations in South Carolina
Landlords in South Carolina are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide 1 day notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 30 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in South Carolina
Many cities in South Carolina have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 4 major cities.
Charleston
Charleston follows state law. No additional local tenant protections.
Columbia
State capital follows South Carolina landlord-tenant law.
Greenville
No local landlord-tenant ordinances beyond state law.
Myrtle Beach
Tourism-heavy rental market follows state law.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. South Carolina scores 29 out of 100, earning a grade of F (Very Landlord-Friendly).
How South Carolina Compares
Below is a comparison of South Carolina with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where South Carolina falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (SC) | 29 | F | No statutory limit | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Indiana (IN) | 29 | F | No statutory limit | 10 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Tennessee (TN) | 30 | D | No statutory limit | 14 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| North Carolina (NC) | 32 | D | 1.5 months' rent (week-to-week: 2 weeks); 2 months (month-to-month) | 10 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| South Dakota (SD) | 32 | D | 1 month's rent (2 months if special conditions) | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Texas (TX) | 26 | F | No statutory limit | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in South Carolina?
In South Carolina, the security deposit limit is No statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in South Carolina?
For nonpayment of rent, South Carolina requires 5 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in South Carolina if my landlord won't make repairs?
No, South Carolina does not allow tenants to withhold rent. Tenants should consult a local attorney about available remedies.
Does South Carolina have rent control?
No, South Carolina prohibits local rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in South Carolina?
Landlords in South Carolina must give 1 day notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of South Carolina are primarily found in S.C. Code § 27-40-10 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.