South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement
Generate a residential lease agreement tailored to South Carolina law. Our AI incorporates SC-specific statutory requirements, disclosure obligations, and legal standards into every document.
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South Carolina Legal Requirements
Key SC statutes and obligations that apply to your residential lease agreement.
Requirements
- Governed by the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code Ann. §§27-40-10 et seq.); no statutory cap on security deposits, but deposit must be returned within 30 days of termination with an itemized statement of deductions (§27-40-410)
- Landlord must maintain the premises in habitable condition and comply with applicable housing codes under §27-40-440
- Written lease required for any term exceeding 1 year; oral leases are valid for shorter terms but written leases are recommended
Restrictions & Limits
- Self-help eviction (changing locks, removing tenant's property, shutting off utilities) is prohibited; formal eviction through magistrate court required under §27-40-710
- Landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting housing code violations or exercising statutory rights within 90 days of the protected activity (§27-40-650)
- No rent control laws exist in South Carolina — landlords may raise rent with proper notice as specified in the lease
Notice Requirements
Month-to-month tenancy: 30 days' written notice required by either party to terminate. Nonpayment of rent: 5 days' written notice to pay or quit before the landlord may file an eviction action in magistrate court (S.C. Code Ann. §27-40-710).
Official Statute References
Primary South Carolina statutes governing this document type.
South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement FAQ
Common questions about residential lease agreements under South Carolina law.
Is there a security deposit limit in South Carolina?
South Carolina does not cap the security deposit amount. The landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the lease ends, with an itemized statement of deductions. Failure to return within 30 days entitles the tenant to the full deposit plus damages and attorney's fees.
What is the eviction notice requirement in South Carolina?
For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must serve a 5-day written notice to pay or vacate before filing an eviction action. For material lease violations, a 14-day notice to remedy or quit is required. South Carolina magistrate courts process evictions relatively quickly — often within 2–3 weeks of filing.
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Residential Lease Agreement by State
Laws vary significantly by state. Find the right form for your location.
Disclaimer: LegalLawDocs.com provides self-help legal documents for informational purposes only. The documents and information on this site do not constitute legal advice and are not a substitute for consultation with a licensed attorney. Laws vary by state and change frequently — review your document with a qualified professional before relying on it.