South Carolina Eviction Notice Overview
South Carolina does not use a 7-day eviction notice. Under the SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (SC Code 27-40-710), landlords must give a 5-day notice for non-payment of rent. For lease violations, a 14-day notice to cure is required under SC Code 27-40-710(A).
South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (SC Code 27-40-10 et seq.) governs residential evictions. Cases are filed in Magistrate Court for the county where the property is located. SC has 46 counties. Richland County (Columbia), Charleston County, and Greenville County handle the highest volumes.
5 Days
Notice period
$40 - $80
Filing fee
SC Code
Governing law
Magistrate
Court level
Why South Carolina Uses 5 Days, Not 7
Important: SC Uses a 5-Day Notice, Not 7
SC Code 27-40-710(B) requires a 5-day notice for non-payment. For lease violations, a 14-day notice applies (27-40-710(A)). A 7-day notice is not standard in South Carolina.
South Carolina Notice Periods at a Glance
- 5-Day Notice — Non-Payment (27-40-710(B)): Tenant has 5 days to pay all rent owed
- 14-Day Notice — Lease Violations (27-40-710(A)): Tenant has 14 days to cure material noncompliance
- 14-Day Unconditional — Repeat Violations: If same violation recurs within 6 months
- 30-Day Notice — Month-to-Month: 30 days notice to terminate
South Carolina Notice Requirements
South Carolina courts require that eviction notices meet specific content and format standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 5 days for non-payment as required by South Carolina law
- Consequence Statement: That eviction proceedings will be filed if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in South Carolina
South Carolina law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Delivery
Hand-deliver to the tenant.
Certified Mail
Send via certified mail.
Posting
Post on the door and mail a copy.
Document Service
Prepare proof of service for Magistrate Court.
South Carolina Eviction Timeline
The South Carolina eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice through court proceedings to enforcement.
Serve 5-day notice per SC Code 27-40-710(B)
File eviction complaint in Magistrate Court
Hearing set; tenant served
Hearing held; judgment entered
Writ of ejectment issued; sheriff enforces removal
SC evictions take 4-6 weeks uncontested. Contested cases take 6-12 weeks. Charleston and Richland Counties may have longer timelines.
South Carolina Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in South Carolina Magistrate Court. Actual fees may vary by county.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| Magistrate Court Filing Fee | $40 - $80 |
| Service of Process | $20 - $40 |
| Writ of Ejectment | $20 - $40 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $500 - $1,500 |
| Appeal Filing Fee | $150 |
Sample South Carolina Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a South Carolina-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of SC Code 27-40-710.
5-DAY NOTICE TO PAY RENT OR VACATE
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
Pursuant to SC Code 27-40-710(B)
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [South Carolina Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have FIVE (5) DAYS to pay $[Amount] in full or vacate.
SOUTH CAROLINA COMPLIANCE NOTE
SC requires 5 days for non-payment (27-40-710(B)), not 7 days.