South Carolina Deposit Return Deadline
30 daysUnder South Carolina law, a landlord generally has 30 days after termination and your demand to return your security deposit (or provide an itemized statement of deductions) — the FAQ below covers the conditions that can change the deadline.
Educational information: generated from our South Carolina law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How South Carolina compares
51 of 51 US jurisdictions set a statutory deadline for returning security deposits. Here is how South Carolina compares with other states in our database.
| State | Deposit Return Deadline |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | 30 days |
| South Dakota | 14 days (statement within 45) |
| Tennessee | 30 days |
| Texas | 30 days |
| Utah | 30 days |
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in South Carolina?
- Generally 30 days after termination and your demand. 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).
- Can a South Carolina landlord keep my deposit for damages?
- Landlords may generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, but must account for deductions. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed.
- What if my South Carolina landlord misses the deposit return deadline?
- Missing the statutory deadline (30 days) can expose the landlord to statutory penalties. 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).
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.