South Carolina Security Deposit Limit
no statutory limitSouth Carolina has no statewide statutory cap on residential security deposits — the amount is a matter of contract between you and the landlord. That makes reviewing the deposit clause in your lease especially important.
Educational information: generated from our South Carolina law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How South Carolina compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how South Carolina compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | no statutory limit |
| South Dakota | 1 month's rent (annual leases) |
| Tennessee | no statutory limit |
| Texas | no statutory limit |
| Utah | no statutory limit |
Frequently asked questions
- 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. South Carolina is one of 21 US jurisdictions without a statewide deposit cap. No statutory limit on deposit amount. Must be stated in lease. Return within 30 days after termination and demand with itemized deductions. Failure to return: 3x amount withheld plus attorney fees (up to $7,500).
- Does South Carolina require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. South Carolina does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in South Carolina?
- South Carolina landlords generally must return the deposit within 30 days after termination and your demand.
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.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
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.