Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in South Carolina

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in South Carolina, mainly from the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code title 27 chapter 40) and section 27-39-60. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Deposit return deadline

30 days1S.C. Code 27-40-410(a)

The landlord must return the deposit, with a written itemized list of any deductions, within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant moves out, or after the tenant asks for it, whichever is later.

Interest on deposits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Late fees

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days1S.C. Code 27-40-770(b)

Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice given at least 30 days before the end date in the notice.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days1S.C. Code 27-40-770(b)

A landlord must give the same written notice, at least 30 days before the end date in the notice.

Notice of a rent increase

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Statewide rent limits

None statewide, counties and cities barred by law2S.C. Code 27-39-60

South Carolina counties and cities may not pass or enforce rules that regulate rent on private residential or commercial property.

Landlord entry

24 hours1S.C. Code 27-40-530(b), (c)

The landlord must usually give at least 24 hours' notice before entering. Emergencies, scheduled regular services and repairs the tenant asked for are exceptions.

Notice for unpaid rent

5 days1S.C. Code 27-40-710(B)

If rent is not paid within five days of the due date, the landlord can end the lease after giving written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. S.C. Code title 27 chapter 40, South Carolina Legislatureofficial
  2. S.C. Code title 27 chapter 39, South Carolina Legislatureofficial

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.