South Carolina Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
South Carolina imposes a 2% state accommodations tax and local taxes on rentals under 90 days. Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Hilton Head are major STR markets with varying local regulations.
Required in most beach/resort communities
STR license
2% state accommodations tax + 5% local + sales tax
Occupancy tax / TOT
Under 90 days is short-term
Maximum stay
Kiawah, Hilton Head HOAs regulate STRs
HOA restrictions
South Carolina Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in South Carolina requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for SC short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local South Carolina Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in South Carolina can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Required in most beach/resort communities — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the South Carolina Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Kiawah, Hilton Head HOAs regulate STRs — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a South Carolina Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your South Carolina vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with SC requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete South Carolina property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, South Carolina occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include South Carolina House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in South Carolina under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
South Carolina Occupancy Taxes & Fees
South Carolina imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for SC vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 2% state accommodations tax + 5% local + sales tax |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in SC |
Sample South Carolina Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our South Carolina-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [South Carolina Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [South Carolina Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
South Carolina Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about South Carolina vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official South Carolina Resources
Use these official resources for South Carolina short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
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