South Carolina Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in South Carolina
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South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (SC Code § 27-40-10 et seq.) provides baseline protections. There is no deposit cap, and deposits must be returned within 30 days. Landlords must give 24 hours notice before entry. No rent control or just cause eviction requirement exists, and there is no repair-and-deduct right.
Security Deposit Max
No cap
Deposit Return
30 days
Entry Notice Required
24 hours
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Not allowed
Detailed Protections
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Security Deposit Limit
No statutory cap (SC Code § 27-40-410)
Limited Protection
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Deposit Return Period
30 days after move-out with itemized statement
Protection Exists
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Entry Notice Required
24 hours except emergencies (§ 27-40-530)
Protection Exists
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Rent Control
Not permitted statewide
No Protection
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Repair & Deduct
Not allowed by statute
No Protection
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Just Cause Eviction
Not required
No Protection
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Retaliation Protection
Prohibited — SC Code § 27-40-910
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
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