South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common South Carolina landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (South Carolina Code 27-40). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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Security Deposit Laws
No statutory limit
30 days
No statutory requirement
The rule: No statewide deposit limit. The landlord must return the deposit, with a written itemized notice of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant asks for it, whichever is later. A landlord who fails can owe three times the amount wrongfully kept plus attorney fees (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Reviewed · S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410
Eviction Notice Requirements
5 days notice
14 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to Vacate
30 days notice
No notice required if lease ends
Late Rent Fees
No statutory requirement
No limit
Additional Regulations
No statewide rent control
24 hours
When to use South Carolina document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for South Carolina landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the sidebar.
Common mistakes in South Carolina
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (30 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Frequently asked questions
South Carolina sets no statewide security deposit limit. The return deadline is 30 days. No statewide deposit limit. The landlord must return the deposit, with a written itemized notice of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant asks for it, whichever is later. A landlord who fails can owe three times the amount wrongfully kept plus attorney fees (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410).
Confirm current rules in South Carolina Code 27-40.
Disclaimer: Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official South Carolina sources before relying on this information. Last reviewed: 2026-06-18.