South Carolina Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

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.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

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).

Major Cities in South Carolina

Charleston — No rent control; South Carolina state law applies.
Columbia — No rent control; South Carolina state law applies.
Greenville — No rent control; South Carolina state law applies.
Myrtle Beach — No rent control; South Carolina state law applies.

South Carolina Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to South Carolina renters:

SC Legal Services — Free civil legal aid for low-income South Carolinians statewide, including housing and eviction defense.
Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services — Free legal help for qualifying residents of Charleston County, including tenant rights.
SC AG – Consumer Protection — State resources for housing complaints and landlord-tenant guidance.

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