South Carolina 60-Day Notice Overview
South Carolina does not require a 60-day notice for standard residential tenancy terminations. Under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code 27-40-10 et seq.), month-to-month tenancies can be terminated with 30 days written notice under S.C. Code 27-40-770.
South Carolina is one of the most landlord-friendly states in the Southeast. The state has no rent control, no just-cause eviction requirements, and a very fast eviction process through Magistrate Courts. Security deposits are not capped by statute under the SC Landlord-Tenant Act. The deposit must be returned within 30 days under S.C. Code 27-40-410.
30 Days
Statutory default
$40-$80
Court filing fees
Written
Notice required
1-3 wks
Court process
When a 60-Day Notice Applies in South Carolina
Since South Carolina's statutory default for month-to-month termination is 30 days, understanding when a 60-day notice is actually required or advisable is essential for landlords.
Lease-Required Extended Notice
Many SC property managers include 60-day clauses. The contractual obligation overrides the 30-day minimum under S.C. Code 27-40-770.
SC Housing Programs
Federal Section 8 programs administered through the SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority and local PHAs frequently require 60-90 days notice.
Charleston and Columbia Markets
South Carolina's growing metros — Charleston, Columbia, Greenville — have increasingly competitive rental markets. Providing 60 days reduces legal challenges and allows tenants adequate time to relocate.
South Carolina Legal Requirements
South Carolina's landlord-tenant statutes establish specific requirements for termination notices that must be followed precisely.
South Carolina Fast Eviction Process
South Carolina has one of the fastest eviction processes in the nation. An ejectment action (eviction) filed in Magistrate Court can result in a hearing within 10 days. If the landlord prevails, the tenant has 5 days to appeal. If no appeal, the writ of ejectment is issued. The sheriff enforces removal. Total uncontested timeline can be as short as 2-3 weeks from filing.
Notice Content Requirements
- Written Notice: S.C. Code 27-40-770 requires written notice. Oral notice is insufficient under South Carolina law
- Tenant and Property ID: Include all tenant names from the lease and the complete property address including city, county, and ZIP code
- Termination Date: State the exact date at least 60 days from service, aligned with the end of the rental period
- Landlord Contact: Include the landlord or property manager name, South Carolina mailing address, and telephone number
- Security Deposit Reference: S.C. Code 27-40-410 requires return within 30 days with an itemized statement. SC does not cap deposit amounts
How to Serve a 60-Day Eviction Notice in South Carolina
Proper service is critical in South Carolina. If the landlord cannot prove the notice was properly delivered, the court will dismiss the eviction action.
Prepare the Notice
Draft using a South Carolina-specific template referencing S.C. Code 27-40-770. Include all tenant names, property address, and the 60-day termination date
Personal Delivery (Preferred)
Hand-deliver to the tenant at the rental premises. South Carolina courts prefer personal service. Use a process server or witness
Certified Mail Alternative
Send via certified mail with return receipt. SC accepts mailed service for landlord-tenant notices
Complete Proof of Service
Document date, time, method, and location of service. Keep certified mail receipts and return cards for court proceedings
File Ejectment Action in Magistrate Court
After 60 days expire without the tenant vacating, file an eviction action in Magistrate Court where the property is located
South Carolina Eviction Timeline
South Carolina's eviction process uses an Ejectment action filed in Magistrate Court under S.C. Code 27-40-740 et seq. After filing, the court schedules a hearing typically within 5-10 days. SC has one of the fastest eviction processes nationally.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence. If the landlord prevails, the court enters a judgment for ejectment. The tenant has 5 days to appeal to Circuit Court. If no appeal, the writ of ejectment is issued and the sheriff enforces removal.
Total court timeline: 1-3 weeks uncontested, 3-6 weeks contested. Charleston County, Richland County (Columbia), and Greenville County have the heaviest caseloads. Combined with the 60-day notice period, the full process spans 9-14 weeks.
South Carolina Filing Fees & Costs
Eviction costs in South Carolina vary by county and court type. Below are typical expenses.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Magistrate Court Filing Fee | $40 - $80 |
| Service of Process | $20 - $50 |
| Attorney Fees | $400 - $1,500 |
| Writ of Ejectment | $15 - $30 |
| Sheriff Enforcement | $50 - $150 |
Sample South Carolina 60-Day Notice
Below is a preview of our South Carolina-specific 60-day termination notice template.
60-DAY NOTICE OF TERMINATION
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Pursuant to S.C. Code 27-40-770
LANDLORD / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [South Carolina Mailing Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE OF TERMINATION:
You are hereby notified that your tenancy at the above premises will terminate on[Date — 60 days from service]. You must vacate and surrender possession by that date.
SOUTH CAROLINA COMPLIANCE NOTE
Your security deposit will be returned within 30 days of vacating per S.C. Code 27-40-410, with an itemized statement of deductions. Please provide a forwarding address upon vacating.