South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
South Carolina lets the 5-day notice for unpaid rent be printed right in the lease, so a landlord need not serve a separate notice when rent is late (S.C. Code § 27-40-710). There is no deposit cap, and the state bars local rent control.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in South Carolina?
A South Carolina landlord has 30 days after the tenancy ends and possession is returned to refund the deposit with a written, itemized list of deductions.
| Maximum Deposit | No statutory limit |
| Return Deadline | 30 days |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | S.C. Code § 27-40-410 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in South Carolina?
South Carolina prohibits rent control and has no cap on increases; a month-to-month change needs 30 days’ notice.
| Late Fee Limit | No statutory cap |
| Rent Control Status | Prohibited (S.C. Code § 27-39-60) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 30 days for month-to-month |
| Statute Reference | S.C. Code § 27-40-770 |
How to Evict a Tenant in South Carolina
A South Carolina eviction for unpaid rent starts with a 5-day notice, which can be given once in the written lease.
| Non-Payment Notice | 5 days (may be given in the lease) |
| Lease Violation Notice | 14 days to cure |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Statute Reference | S.C. Code §§ 27-40-710, 27-40-770 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina requires at least 24 hours’ notice before entry except in an emergency.
| Notice Required | 24 hours |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | S.C. Code § 27-40-530 |
What Must a South Carolina Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Name and address of the owner or agent (S.C. Code § 27-40-420)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in South Carolina?
South Carolina landlords must keep the premises fit and habitable and maintain supplied systems; tenants can obtain essential services and deduct the cost.
What South Carolina landlords must maintain
- • Comply with building and housing codes
- • Keep common areas clean and safe
- • Maintain supplied electrical, plumbing, heating and appliances
What a South Carolina tenant can do
- • Terminate after 14 days’ notice of a material breach
- • Procure essential services and deduct the reasonable cost
| Statute Reference | S.C. Code §§ 27-40-440, 27-40-610, 27-40-630 |