Conway is the county seat of Horry County, located near the Grand Strand and Myrtle Beach area. Renters in Conway are protected by the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code §§ 27-40-10 et seq.), which applies uniformly to residential rental agreements throughout the state. Conway has not enacted any local tenant protection ordinances, so state law exclusively governs the landlord-tenant relationship here.
The Grand Strand area's popularity as a tourist and retirement destination has created a competitive rental market. Conway renters should familiarize themselves with the state Act to understand deposit return timelines, habitability requirements, and the eviction process. Knowing your rights before a dispute arises is the best defense against landlord misconduct.
Conway, like all South Carolina cities, has no rent control. State law does not permit municipalities to enact rent stabilization ordinances, and no ceiling exists on how much a landlord can raise rent. For month-to-month tenancies, the landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
Tenants who receive a rent increase should carefully review their lease terms and compare local market rates. If you believe a rent increase was issued in retaliation for a code complaint or the exercise of a legal right, S.C. Code § 27-40-910 may provide a legal remedy. Grand Strand Legal Services and South Carolina Legal Services can advise on retaliatory rent increase claims.
Under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords in Conway must maintain rental units in a habitable condition that complies with applicable housing codes affecting health and safety (S.C. Code § 27-40-440). This includes functional plumbing, adequate heat, weatherproof construction, and safe electrical systems. After receiving written notice of a needed repair, a landlord generally has 14 days to act on non-emergency items; emergency repairs must be addressed promptly.
If a landlord materially fails to maintain the unit, tenants may apply rent to an escrow account administered by the court, terminate the lease, or pursue damages (S.C. Code § 27-40-630). These remedies require strict adherence to the notice procedures in the Act, so tenants should seek legal advice before withholding rent or terminating a lease.
Retaliation is prohibited by S.C. Code § 27-40-910. A landlord may not increase rent, decrease services, or initiate eviction proceedings because you reported housing code violations, contacted an inspection agency, or exercised any right under the Act. A retaliatory action within 90 days of protected activity is presumed retaliatory, creating a defense in any eviction proceeding.
South Carolina imposes no maximum on security deposit amounts, but strictly governs their return. Under S.C. Code § 27-40-410, landlords must return your deposit within 30 days of the end of your tenancy along with a written, itemized list of deductions. Only unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, and other lease breaches may be deducted.
If your landlord wrongfully withholds all or part of your deposit without providing the required statement, you may sue to recover three times the amount improperly withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees (S.C. Code § 27-40-410(c)). Protect yourself by documenting the unit's condition with photos at move-in and move-out, requesting a joint walkthrough inspection, and providing your forwarding address in writing on the day you vacate.
In Conway, all evictions must proceed through Horry County Magistrate Court. Before filing an ejectment action, the landlord must give proper written notice. For nonpayment of rent, a 5-day pay-or-vacate notice is required (S.C. Code § 27-40-710). For a material lease violation, a 14-day notice to cure or quit is required (S.C. Code § 27-40-720). To end a month-to-month tenancy without a specific reason, at least 30 days' written notice must be given (S.C. Code § 27-40-770).
If you do not vacate or cure the issue during the notice period, the landlord may file for ejectment. You will be served with a court summons and have the opportunity to appear and defend yourself. The court may grant you additional time to vacate depending on the circumstances. Self-help eviction — lockouts, utility disconnections, or removal of your belongings — is illegal under S.C. Code § 27-40-660 at every stage of this process, including while a case is pending.
Conway renters can access free legal assistance through South Carolina Legal Services at sclegal.org, which serves low-income residents throughout the state, including Horry County. Grand Strand Legal Services provides additional local support for housing-related legal matters in the Conway and Myrtle Beach area.
For housing code violations, contact the City of Conway's Building and Zoning Department or Horry County code enforcement. The South Carolina Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division at scag.gov handles landlord misconduct complaints. The SC Bar Lawyer Referral Service (1-800-868-2284) can connect you with a private real estate attorney.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant law can vary based on individual circumstances, local ordinances, and changes in state law. If you have a specific legal problem, please consult a licensed South Carolina attorney or contact a legal aid organization in your area.
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