Tenant Rights SC - Updated 2025

South Carolina Tenant Eviction Rights: Know Your Protections

Facing eviction in South Carolina? This guide explains your legal rights, the eviction process, how to respond to notices, and resources available to help you.

Your Rights Are Protected
In South Carolina, only a court can legally evict you. Your landlord cannot change your locks, shut off utilities, or remove your belongings without a court order. If they do, they're breaking the law.

Non-Payment Notice

5 days

to pay or respond

Violation Notice

14 days

to cure or respond

Month-to-Month

30 days

advance notice required

Court Process

10-14 days

typical timeline

Illegal Eviction Tactics in South Carolina

Your landlord CANNOT do any of these without a court order:

Change your locks
Shut off water, electricity, or gas
Remove your belongings

Remove doors or windows
Physically force you out
Threaten or harass you

If your landlord does any of these: Document it (photos, videos, witnesses), call the police if you feel unsafe, and contact a tenant rights attorney. You may be entitled to significant damages.

What to Do When You Receive an Eviction Notice

Immediate Steps:

Don't panic. You have rights and options. The notice is not an eviction - only a court can evict you.
Read it carefully. Note the reason, the deadline, and what action is required.
Check if it's valid. Does it have all required information? Was it served properly under SC law?
Calculate your deadline. In South Carolina, you typically have 5 days for non-payment or 14 days for violations.

Your Options:

Option 1: Cure the Issue

If you can pay the rent or fix the violation within the notice period, the eviction stops. Get written confirmation from your landlord.

Option 2: Negotiate

Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, more time, or a mutual move-out agreement. Get everything in writing.

Option 3: Fight in Court

If you have defenses (improper notice, retaliation, discrimination, habitability issues), you can contest the eviction in court.

Your Legal Defenses in South Carolina

Procedural Defenses:

Improper notice: Notice didn't meet SC requirements
Wrong notice type: Landlord used wrong notice for the situation
Improper service: Notice wasn't delivered correctly
Math errors: Rent amount or dates are incorrect

Substantive Defenses:

Retaliation: Eviction is payback for complaints or exercising rights
Discrimination: Based on race, religion, family status, disability, etc.
Habitability: Landlord failed to maintain safe/livable conditions
Payment made: You paid rent before deadline

Get Help in South Carolina

Legal Aid: Search "legal aid South Carolina" for free legal help
Tenant Rights Organizations: Local groups can advise you on SC laws
211 Hotline: Call 211 for emergency housing resources
South Carolina Bar Association: Lawyer referral services

Rental Assistance

If you're behind on rent, financial help may be available:

South Carolina Emergency Rental Assistance
Section 8 Housing Vouchers
Local nonprofit programs
Faith-based assistance
Utility assistance programs

Know Your Rights

Download our free South Carolina Tenant Rights checklist and eviction response guide.

Get Resources