South Carolina has no rent control. Landlords can raise rent by any amount. South Carolina's landlord-tenant act provides protections on habitability, deposits, and the eviction process.
South Carolina at a Glance
Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: South Carolina has no rent control law and no city has enacted one. South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code § 27-40-10) governs the landlord-tenant relationship.
What Protections South Carolina Tenants Do Have
Even without rent control, South Carolina law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:
Security Deposit
South Carolina has no statutory cap on security deposits. Landlords must return the deposit within 30 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to triple the amount improperly held (S.C. Code § 27-40-410).
Notice to Terminate
Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (S.C. Code § 27-40-770).
Repairs & Habitability
Landlords must maintain habitable premises. After written notice, landlords have 14 days for non-emergency repairs. Remedies include rent escrow and lease termination (S.C. Code § 27-40-630).
Retaliation Protection
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights by raising rent or initiating eviction (S.C. Code § 27-40-910).
Lockout Prohibition
Self-help eviction is illegal. Landlords must obtain a court order before removing a tenant (S.C. Code § 27-40-660).