Free South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement Forms

South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement Overview

South Carolina's landlord-tenant law is governed by South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code § 27-40). South Carolina is generally considered a landlord-friendly state with no rent control. Security deposits are not subject to a statutory limit, though they must be reasonable. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates.

South Carolina requires 24 hours' notice before a landlord enters a rental unit. The state does not mandate a grace period for late rent payments. Required disclosures include Lead paint (pre-1978) and Landlord/agent contact info.

South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Law Requirements

Eviction Process

South Carolina requires landlords to provide written notice before filing for eviction. For nonpayment of rent, a notice to pay or vacate is required (typically 3-14 days depending on the situation). For lease violations, the landlord must provide notice and, in most cases, an opportunity to cure the violation. If the tenant fails to comply, the landlord may file an eviction action (unlawful detainer) in court. The eviction process in South Carolina is relatively straightforward for landlords who follow proper procedures.

Habitability Standards

South Carolina recognizes the implied warranty of habitability, requiring landlords to maintain rental properties in a livable condition. Landlords must generally maintain structural integrity, provide working plumbing, electrical, and heating systems, ensure adequate weatherproofing, maintain common areas, comply with building and housing codes, and provide working smoke detectors. Tenants are responsible for keeping their unit clean, disposing of waste properly, and reporting needed repairs promptly.

South Carolina Security Deposit Rules

South Carolina does not impose a statutory limit on security deposits, but courts may find excessive deposits unreasonable. The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the tenant vacates, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. South Carolina does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits. Allowable deductions typically include unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, and cleaning costs if specified in the lease.

Required Disclosures in South Carolina

South Carolina landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the start of the tenancy. Failure to provide required disclosures can result in penalties and may give tenants legal remedies.

• Lead paint (pre-1978)
• Landlord/agent contact info

South Carolina Lease Fees & Limits

Key financial limits and fees that apply to residential leases in South Carolina:

Official South Carolina Resources

Use these official resources to verify South Carolina landlord-tenant law requirements and find legal assistance.

Other South Carolina Lease Agreement Types

Need a different type of lease agreement for South Carolina? We offer state-specific templates for every type of rental and lease arrangement.

South Carolina Residential Lease FAQ

Answers to common questions about South Carolina residential lease agreements and landlord-tenant law.