Landlord tools · South Carolina
Everything a South Carolina lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.
These rules are applied automatically. About 5 minutes, PDF download, no account.
South Carolina doesn't cap security deposits by statute — most landlords charge one to two months' rent. No statutory limit After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 30 days. Itemized notice and refund within 30 days of termination and demand Returning one now? Use the free South Carolina deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.
South Carolina sets no statutory dollar cap on late fees, but courts require them to be reasonable and they must appear in the written lease. No grace period is required by statute, though many leases include one. No statutory cap; must be reasonable and in the lease. No statutory grace period.
Landlords must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering, except in emergencies. 24 hours' notice, reasonable times. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 30 days' written notice (30 days before periodic rental date). No statute; effectively 30 days via month-to-month term-change notice. Planning an increase? The free South Carolina rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.
Utilities: Landlord must provide running water, hot water, and heat unless tenant-controlled and lease assigns responsibility. Pets: No statute on pet deposits or fees; lease governs. Assistance animals exempt from pet charges.
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in South Carolina?
South Carolina has no statutory limit on security deposits — one to two months' rent is customary. No statutory limit
How long does a South Carolina landlord have to return the deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends. Itemized notice and refund within 30 days of termination and demand
Are late fees limited in South Carolina?
There's no statutory dollar cap, but fees must be reasonable and stated in the lease. No statutory cap; must be reasonable and in the lease. No statutory grace period
How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in South Carolina?
At least 24 hours, except in emergencies. 24 hours' notice, reasonable times
Does South Carolina have rent control?
No statewide rent control. No state or local rent control
The builder pre-loads every South Carolina rule on this page.
Key statutes: S.C. Code § 27-40-410 · § 27-40-530 · § 27-40-770. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.