South Carolina Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our South Carolina law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes South Carolina landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
South Carolina lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | no statutory limit |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days |
| Interest on deposits | not required |
| Landlord entry notice | 24 hours |
| Late fee cap | no statutory percentage cap |
| Rent grace period | no statutory grace period |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 3 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 2 disclosures required |
South Carolina lease law guides
- South Carolina Security Deposit Limitno statutory limit
- South Carolina Deposit Return Deadline30 days
- South Carolina Deposit Interest Rulesno interest required
- South Carolina Landlord Entry Notice24 hours
- South Carolina Late Fee Lawsno statutory percentage cap
- South Carolina Rent Grace Periodno statutory grace period
- South Carolina Prohibited Lease Clauses3 restricted clause types
- South Carolina Required Disclosures2 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under South Carolina law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rightsLikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
Statute citations and details for every prohibited clause in South Carolina →
Disclosures South Carolina landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Landlord/Agent Identity
What each required disclosure covers in South Carolina, with citations →
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South Carolina lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in South Carolina?
- South Carolina sets no statewide statutory maximum on security deposits, so the amount is negotiated in the lease. Conditions can apply — see the South Carolina security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in South Carolina?
- Generally 30 days after termination and your demand. Conditions can apply — see the South Carolina deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in South Carolina?
- No statewide statute requires it in South Carolina, though local ordinances or your lease can add the obligation. Conditions can apply — see the South Carolina deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in South Carolina?
- Generally at least 24 hours. Conditions can apply — see the South Carolina landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in South Carolina?
- South Carolina sets no fixed percentage cap, but late fees must be reasonable and can be challenged if punitive. Conditions can apply — see the South Carolina late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in South Carolina?
- There is no statutory grace period in South Carolina; rent is late the day after it is due unless your lease says otherwise. Conditions can apply — see the South Carolina rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in South Carolina?
- South Carolina law restricts 3 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in South Carolina?
- South Carolina requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Landlord/Agent Identity (Name and address of owner and property manager (if applicable)).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.