If you own rental property in South Carolina, congratulations—you’ve officially joined the ranks of those who juggle hats: part investor, part problem solver, part occasional detective (where did that mystery carpet stain come from?). But before you roll up your sleeves, there’s one hat you must wear well: the law-abiding landlord.
Enter: the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act—the rulebook that keeps rental relationships from spiraling into a bad reality TV episode. Knowing it inside and out isn’t just smart… It's essential.
Let’s break it down without the boring legal lecture.
1. Leases: Your First Line of Defense
In South Carolina, a lease isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s your property’s bodyguard.
Written leases are always recommended and required in most cases
Include all the essentials: rent amount, due date, late fees, security deposit details, maintenance responsibilities, and rules about pets, smoking, and repairs.
Want to avoid headaches? Be specific. “Tenant responsible for lawn care” is clear. “Keep yard nice” is a one-way ticket to a jungle.
Consider requiring your tenant to carry a renters insurance policy that protects your property in the event of losses caused by your tenants and be sure they name you as “additional insured.”
Tailored Tip: For landlord insurance, we suggest using a good local insurance company - we like Patrick Mitrovitch at State Farm in York.
2. Security Deposits: Handle With Care
You can collect a security deposit, but you must return it within 30 days after the tenant moves out—minus any lawful deductions for unpaid rent, damages beyond normal wear and tear, or agreed-upon fees. Penalties are steep for missing the 30 day cut-off.
Tailored Tip: Always document move-in and move-out with photos or videos. It turns “he-said-she-said” into “here’s the proof.”
3. Repairs: Who Fixes What?
The law says landlords must keep the rental safe, habitable, and up to code. That means:
Working plumbing, heating, and electricity
No leaks, structural hazards, or infestations
Complying with local building and housing codes
Tenants, on the other hand, must keep the place clean, dispose of trash properly, and avoid damaging the property.
Tailored Tip: Be sure your vendors are properly licensed AND carry the necessary insurance to prevent mishaps from creating unnecessary liabilities.
4. Rent & Late Fees: Timing Is Everything
You can set your own rent due date, but you must follow the lease terms on when it’s due and what happens if it’s late.
South Carolina doesn’t cap late fees, but they must be reasonable (hint: $200 for a $900 rent payment probably won’t fly in court).
Always outline the grace period—if you offer one—in the lease.
Tailored Tip: Be sure to include conspicuous notice in the lease on when the rent is considered late.
5. Evictions: Play by the Rules
Evictions are never fun, but doing it the wrong way can cost you big.
You must give 5 days’ written notice for nonpayment of rent unless your lease says rent is due without notice.
For other lease violations, a 14-day notice is common before you can file with the court.
Never, ever “self-help” evict (changing locks, shutting off utilities). In South Carolina, that’s a fast track to legal trouble.
6. Fair Housing: No Shortcuts
Federal and state fair housing laws protect tenants from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. South Carolina adds its own protections in some cities and counties—so check your local rules too.
7. Communication Is Key
While the Act sets the legal foundation, good landlord-tenant relationships thrive on clear, respectful communication. Responding quickly to maintenance requests, giving proper notice before entering, and being transparent about expectations can prevent most disputes before they start. Communicate important information in writing but follow it up with a phone call to maintain good relations with your tenants.
Tailored Tip: Use a property management software like Rentvine to communicate with your tenants and for tenants to report maintenance issues so you have a good record of communication.
Why This Matters for Your Bottom Line
Being a landlord isn’t just about collecting rent—it’s about protecting your investment. Following the South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Act helps you:
Avoid costly legal disputes
Keep great tenants longer
Maintain your property’s value
And when in doubt? Consult a South Carolina attorney familiar with landlord-tenant law—or partner with a local property management company (like Tailored Homes Property Management!) who lives and breathes this stuff so you don’t have to.
Final Takeaway
Think of the Landlord-Tenant Act as your property’s rulebook—and your business’s safety net. Play by the rules, treat tenants fairly, and you’ll not only stay out of legal hot water… you might even enjoy the landlord life. And remember, we're always here to support York County Landlords with no strings attached advice! If you have any questions let us be a resource for you. Email me at wwhitesides@RentTailored.com.