South Carolina Eviction Notice Overview
South Carolina is a true 14-day cure state under S.C. Code §27-40-710(A). The South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act requires 14 days for material noncompliance. Cases are filed as ejectment actions in Magistrate Court. South Carolina’s process is relatively fast with low filing fees.
Richland County (Columbia), Charleston County, Greenville County, and Horry County (Myrtle Beach) handle the highest volumes. For non-payment, a 5-day notice is required. South Carolina’s 14-day cure period places it alongside Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky, and other true 14-day states.
14 Days
Cure period
$40–$80
Magistrate Court filing
Written
Notice required
3–6 Wks
Total process
South Carolina Is a True 14-Day State
Under S.C. Code §27-40-710(A), if a tenant materially violates the rental agreement, the landlord must give 14 days’ notice. If the tenant cures within 14 days, the tenancy continues. If the same violation recurs within 6 months, a 14-day unconditional quit notice may be served.
South Carolina Notice Periods
14-day cure: Material noncompliance (§27-40-710(A))
5-day notice: Non-payment of rent (§27-40-710(B))
14-day unconditional: Repeat within 6 months
Immediate: Drug or criminal activity
30-day termination: Month-to-month without cause
Common Violations Addressed by This Notice in South Carolina
- Unauthorized pets
- Unauthorized occupants
- Noise complaints
- Property damage
- Failure to maintain
- Operating businesses without permission
South Carolina Legal Requirements
South Carolina courts require strict compliance with notice requirements. A deficient notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case, wasting time and filing fees. Here are the mandatory elements:
- Written Notice: Required under the SC RLTA
- 14-Day Cure: State 14 days to cure with deadline
- Specific Violation: Describe the breach
- Termination Warning: State consequences
- Landlord Info: Name, address, phone
Serving the Notice in South Carolina
Proper service is critical in South Carolina. The method of delivery determines when the notice period starts running and must be documented for court proceedings.
Personal Service
Hand to tenant.
Post and Mail
Post on door and mail.
Certified Mail
Via certified mail.
South Carolina Eviction Timeline
The complete eviction process in South Carolina, from notice to physical removal, follows this general timeline for uncontested cases:
South Carolina Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs associated with the eviction process in South Carolina. Fees may vary by county or court location.
| Cost Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Magistrate Court Filing | $40 – $80 |
| Sheriff Service | $20 – $40 |
| Writ of Ejectment | $20 – $35 |
| Attorney Fees | $400 – $1,200 |
Sample South Carolina Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a South Carolina-compliant eviction notice. The generated document includes all elements required under SC law.
14-DAY NOTICE TO CURE OR QUIT
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Pursuant to S.C. Code §27-40-710(A)
TO (TENANT):
Name: [Tenant Full Legal Name]
Address: [South Carolina Property Address]
VIOLATION / GROUNDS:
[Detailed description of violation with dates]
DEMAND
You have fourteen (14) days to cure the above violation. Failure to cure will terminate your rental agreement.