South Carolina Repair & Habitability Laws
South Carolina requires landlords to maintain rental units in a habitable condition under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-440[confirmed ].
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
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Landlord duty to maintain habitability: must comply with housing codes, maintain structural elements in good repair, and maintain electrical, plumbing, and heating systems.
Source confirmed · Official state source
View archived excerpt
“SECTION 27-40-440. Landlord to maintain premises. (a) A landlord shall: (1) comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting…”
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.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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