South Carolina Repair & Habitability Laws

South Carolina requires landlords to maintain rental units in a habitable condition under S.

Last reviewed:

Key Rules

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

Applicable Statutes

S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-440

Landlord duty to maintain habitability: must comply with housing codes, maintain structural elements in good repair, and maintain electrical, plumbing, and heating systems.

S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-640

Tenant remedy for landlord noncompliance: if landlord fails to repair after notice, tenant may terminate or obtain court relief. Statute does not expressly authorize repair-and-deduct.

Legal Aid Resources

Read the Full Repair & Habitability Laws Guide

Our comprehensive guide covers federal law, common defenses, real-world examples, and what to do if your rights are being violated.

Read the complete Repair & Habitability Laws guide →

Need Personalized Guidance?

Our free wizard helps you identify your specific issue and find the right next steps.