South Carolina Tenant Rights
South Carolina tenants are covered by the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, which sets out many core landlord and tenant rights and obligations. Court process is generally required for eviction disputes.
Tenant protections
- South Carolina’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs many renter-landlord disputes.
- Keep your lease, notices, payment records, and repair requests organized.
- Written communication is important for notice and repair disputes.
- Seek legal help quickly if you receive court papers or face lockout threats.
Habitability standards
- Document unsafe conditions with photos/video and written requests.
- Notify the landlord in writing and keep proof of delivery.
- Keep a timeline of dates, names, and landlord responses.
- For serious hazards, local code or inspection help may matter.
Eviction rules
- Evictions generally require legal process and court action.
- Read notices and court papers carefully and respond on time.
- Bring the lease, receipts, and communications to any hearing.
- Use legal-aid or court-help resources early if a case is filed.
Security deposit rules
- Deposit disputes often depend on deductions, timing, and move-out condition.
- Take move-in and move-out photos.
- Request deductions in writing if money is withheld.