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Cayce is a growing city in Lexington County, located directly across the Congaree River from Columbia, South Carolina's capital. The city has seen steady residential development, and a significant share of its residents rent their homes. Renters in Cayce rely primarily on South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code §§ 27-40-10 et seq.) for their protections, as the City of Cayce has not enacted any local tenant-protection ordinances beyond what state law provides.
The most common tenant concerns in Cayce involve security deposit disputes, landlord obligations to maintain habitable housing, and the eviction process. South Carolina law sets clear deadlines and remedies for each of these areas, and understanding them can help renters protect themselves before problems escalate. Tenants who believe a landlord has violated the law may pursue remedies in Lexington County magistrate court or seek assistance from legal aid organizations.
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws can change, and individual situations vary. Renters with specific concerns should consult a licensed South Carolina attorney or contact a free legal aid provider.
Cayce has no rent control ordinance, and South Carolina law does not authorize or impose any statewide rent control. South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code § 27-40-10 et seq.) establishes the framework for landlord-tenant relationships in the state but contains no provisions limiting how much a landlord may charge or increase in rent.
In practice, this means a Cayce landlord may raise rent by any amount and at any frequency, subject only to proper notice requirements. For a month-to-month tenancy, the landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect or before terminating the tenancy (S.C. Code § 27-40-770). For a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be changed during the lease period unless both parties agree in writing.
Renters who receive a rent increase notice should review their lease carefully to confirm whether they are on a month-to-month or fixed-term agreement. If the increase would take effect before the lease term ends, the landlord cannot legally impose it without the tenant's written consent.
South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code §§ 27-40-10 et seq.) provides the following core protections for Cayce renters:
Habitability (S.C. Code § 27-40-440): Landlords must maintain rental units in a fit and habitable condition, including compliance with applicable housing codes, functioning plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, and freedom from rodent or insect infestation. Tenants also have a duty to keep their unit clean and to notify the landlord of needed repairs.
Repairs & Notice (S.C. Code § 27-40-630): After a tenant provides written notice of a needed repair affecting health or safety, the landlord has 14 days to make the repair (or begin remediation if the repair reasonably requires more time). If the landlord fails to act, the tenant may pursue remedies including terminating the lease, withholding a proportionate amount of rent into escrow, or having the repair made and deducting the cost from rent, subject to statutory limits.
Security Deposit Rules (S.C. Code § 27-40-410): No cap on the deposit amount, but the landlord must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. Failure to comply entitles the tenant to recover up to three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees.
Notice to Terminate (S.C. Code § 27-40-770): A landlord must provide at least 30 days' written notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy. Tenants must also give 30 days' written notice to end a month-to-month lease.
Anti-Retaliation (S.C. Code § 27-40-910): A landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for reporting housing code violations, complaining about habitability conditions, or exercising any other legal right under the Act. Retaliatory acts include raising rent, reducing services, or initiating eviction proceedings. A court may presume retaliation if adverse action occurs within 90 days of a protected activity.
Lockout & Utility Shutoff Prohibition (S.C. Code § 27-40-660): Self-help eviction is illegal in South Carolina. A landlord may not change locks, remove doors or windows, or shut off utilities to force a tenant out. The landlord must follow the court-supervised eviction process. A tenant who is illegally locked out may recover actual damages and attorney fees.
South Carolina law (S.C. Code § 27-40-410) governs security deposits for Cayce rentals. There is no statutory cap on the amount a landlord may collect; the deposit amount is determined by the lease agreement.
Return deadline: The landlord must return the security deposit — or the portion not lawfully withheld — within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant vacates the unit. The landlord must also provide a written, itemized statement explaining any deductions for unpaid rent or damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Penalty for wrongful withholding: If a landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the required itemized statement within 30 days without justification, the tenant is entitled to recover up to three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees (S.C. Code § 27-40-410(c)). Courts have interpreted this to mean the tenant may recover the deposit itself plus additional damages up to two times the withheld amount.
Practical tips: Document the unit's condition with dated photos at move-in and move-out, provide the landlord with a forwarding address in writing when vacating, and keep a copy of any written communication about the deposit. Disputes over deposits may be filed in Lexington County magistrate court without an attorney.
A Cayce landlord seeking to remove a tenant must follow the court-supervised eviction process set out in South Carolina law. Self-help measures — such as changing locks, removing belongings, or shutting off utilities — are expressly prohibited (S.C. Code § 27-40-660).
Step 1 — Written Notice: Before filing for eviction, the landlord must give the tenant written notice. The required notice period depends on the reason for eviction:
Step 2 — Filing in Magistrate Court: If the tenant does not comply with the notice, the landlord may file an ejectment (eviction) action in Lexington County magistrate court. The tenant will be served with a summons and given an opportunity to appear at a hearing, typically scheduled within 10 days of filing.
Step 3 — Hearing & Judgment: Both parties may present evidence at the hearing. If the court rules in the landlord's favor, it issues a Writ of Ejectment. The tenant typically has a short period — often 24 hours after the writ is served — to vacate before a law enforcement officer may enforce the removal.
Tenant Defenses: Tenants may raise defenses at the hearing, including proof of rent payment, landlord retaliation (S.C. Code § 27-40-910), or failure to maintain habitable conditions. It is advisable to bring documentation such as receipts, photos, and written communications to the hearing.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Tenant rights laws are subject to change, and the application of any law depends on the specific facts of your situation. Renters in Cayce, South Carolina should consult a licensed South Carolina attorney or contact a qualified legal aid organization — such as SC Legal Services — to obtain advice tailored to their circumstances. RentCheckMe makes no warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information and is not responsible for actions taken in reliance upon it.
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