South Carolina Late Fee Laws
no statutory percentage capSouth Carolina has no statutory percentage cap on late fees (16 of 51 US jurisdictions cap them), but fees must still be reasonable — courts can strike down excessive charges. The FAQ below covers any other statutory limits that apply.
Educational information: generated from our South Carolina law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How South Carolina compares
16 of 51 US jurisdictions cap late fees by statute (as a percentage, dollar amount, or formula); the rest rely on reasonableness standards or set no limit. Here is how South Carolina compares with other states in our database.
| State | Late Fee Laws |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | no statutory percentage cap |
| South Dakota | no statutory percentage cap |
| Tennessee | 10% of the past-due rent |
| Texas | must be reasonable — roughly 10–12% of monthly rent is typical |
| Utah | 10% of rent or $75, whichever is greater |
Frequently asked questions
- 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. No statutory limit on late fees. No mandatory grace period. Bounced check fee limited to $30.
- Is there a grace period before late fees in South Carolina?
- South Carolina has no statutory grace period; any grace period comes from your lease.
- Can I dispute an excessive late fee in South Carolina?
- Yes. Fees that are disproportionate to the landlord's actual costs can be challenged as unreasonable penalties.
Check Your Lease Against South Carolina Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with South Carolina law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
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More South Carolina lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in South Carolina for your specific situation.