Last updated: April 2026
North Charleston renters are protected by South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code § 27-40), which covers habitability, security deposits, and eviction procedures. There is no rent control in North Charleston or anywhere in South Carolina.
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North Charleston is the third-largest city in South Carolina, located in Charleston County. Renters in North Charleston are governed by South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code § 27-40). There is no local rent control, no just-cause eviction requirement, and no tenant protection ordinances in North Charleston beyond what state law provides.
South Carolina's landlord-tenant act gives renters meaningful protections: landlords must maintain habitable conditions, return deposits within 30 days, and go through the court process to evict. Notably, South Carolina allows renters to recover triple the amount of a security deposit wrongfully withheld — a stronger remedy than many states. SC Legal Services and SC Appleseed serve North Charleston renters who need free legal assistance.
North Charleston has no rent control ordinance. South Carolina has no statewide rent control law and no South Carolina city has enacted local rent control. North Charleston landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper advance notice — at least 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.
Under a fixed-term lease, rent cannot be raised until the lease expires unless the lease expressly allows for mid-term increases. North Charleston's rapidly growing rental market means tenants should review lease renewal terms carefully, as there are no legal limits on how much rent can increase between lease terms.
South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code § 27-40) provides North Charleston renters with the following protections:
South Carolina has no statutory cap on security deposits — landlords may charge any amount they choose. However, S.C. Code § 27-40-410 provides strong remedies when landlords improperly withhold deposits.
Your landlord must return your deposit within 30 days of move-out, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions. If your landlord wrongfully withholds any portion of your deposit, you are entitled to recover triple the amount improperly held — one of the strongest deposit remedies in the country. Document the unit's condition thoroughly at move-in and move-out with dated photos, and provide your forwarding address in writing when you vacate.
In North Charleston, a landlord must follow South Carolina's court-based eviction process. Self-help eviction is prohibited by S.C. Code § 27-40-660. The process:
Contact SC Legal Services or SC Appleseed immediately upon receiving an eviction notice to understand your rights and potential defenses.
No. North Charleston has no rent control ordinance, and South Carolina has no statewide rent control law. No South Carolina city has enacted rent control. Landlords in North Charleston may raise rent by any amount with proper advance written notice.
There is no limit on rent increases in North Charleston. South Carolina law imposes no cap. For month-to-month tenancies, your landlord must give at least 30 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect. Fixed-term leases cannot be increased mid-term unless the lease expressly permits it.
Under S.C. Code § 27-40-410, your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days of move-out with a written itemized statement of deductions. If your landlord wrongfully withholds any portion, you may be entitled to triple the amount improperly held — one of the strongest remedies in the country. Document your unit's condition carefully and provide your forwarding address in writing.
For nonpayment of rent, your landlord must give a 5-day written notice to pay or vacate. For other lease violations, a 14-day notice with an opportunity to cure is typically required. The landlord must then file in Charleston County Magistrate Court. A writ of ejectment is required before a constable can remove you. Self-help eviction is illegal under S.C. Code § 27-40-660.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal under S.C. Code § 27-40-660. Your landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities without a court order. If this occurs, contact SC Legal Services or SC Appleseed immediately.
Send a written repair request and keep a copy. Under S.C. Code § 27-40-630, if your landlord does not make non-emergency repairs within 14 days of written notice, you may have remedies including rent escrow or lease termination. You can also file a housing code complaint with the City of North Charleston's Code Enforcement division. Contact SC Legal Services for guidance.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in North Charleston and is not legal advice. Laws change; verify current rules with a local attorney or legal aid organization before acting.
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