South Carolina Tenant Rights
South Carolina landlord-tenant law is governed by the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.
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Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Nonpayment Notice:
- 5 days written notice to pay rent or vacate
- Lease Violation Notice:
- 14-day cure-or-vacate notice for remediable violations
- Periodic Tenancy Notice:
- 30 days notice for month-to-month termination
- Rent Control:
- No rent control in South Carolina
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- No statutory maximum
- Return Deadline:
- 30 days after termination of tenancy
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement of deductions required
- Interest Required:
- No
- Bad Faith Penalty:
- Tenant may recover three times the deposit amount plus attorney's fees for bad-faith withholding
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Not expressly authorized by statute
- Rent Withholding:
- Tenant may terminate for material landlord breach of habitability duties
- Notice Required:
- Written notice to landlord required; reasonable time to repair
- Habitability Standards:
- Structural safety, weatherproofing, plumbing, heating, electrical, sanitary conditions
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Self Help Prohibited:
- Yes — court order required; lockouts and utility shutoffs prohibited
- Retaliation Prohibited:
- Yes — retaliatory rent increases, evictions, and service reductions prohibited
- Remedies:
- Actual damages plus 3 months rent for wrongful eviction; damages for retaliation
- Quiet Enjoyment:
- Implied covenant of quiet enjoyment in all tenancies
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- 24 hours advance notice for non-emergency entry
- Permissible Entry Reasons:
- Repairs, inspections, showing unit, emergencies
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without advance notice for genuine emergencies
- Time Of Entry:
- Reasonable times only
Legal Aid Resources
Pro Bono Legal Services Council of South Carolina
South Carolina statewide
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.