South Carolina Rental Lease Agreement Templates

The South Caroline rental lease agreement form is used when renting rental property and it is a contract between the landlord and the tenants in exchange for monthly rent payments. This document becomes legally binding once signed by both parties.

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Last updated January 13th, 2025

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The South Caroline rental lease agreement form is used when renting rental property and it is a contract between the landlord and the tenants in exchange for monthly rent payments. This document becomes legally binding once signed by both parties.

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What does the South Carolina Rental Lease Agreement Covers?

This document includes the following laws between the landlord and tenant in South Carolina:

South Carolina Residential Landlord & Tenant Act

The South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is a guide for landlords and tenants that addresses the following.

  • Maintenance of the Property – Landlords must ensure the property meets minimum housing standards and remains habitable. Tenants are responsible for keeping the premises clean and safe.
  • Rental Agreements – Outlines rules for written or oral rental agreements between parties.[1]

Security Deposit Laws 

Landlords in South Carolina can require a security deposit and must return it within thirty (30) days after the tenant vacates, minus deductions for damages.

  • 30 Days – Timeframe to return the deposit. [2]
  • Deductions (if any) must be itemized.
  • Normal wear and tear cannot be deducted.

Lease Termination Rules for the Landlord and Tenant

Leases in South Carolina may be terminated by either party under the following rules:

  • Landlord’s Ability to Terminate
    • 5-day notice for nonpayment of rent (if stated in the lease).
    • 14-day notice for material noncompliance with the rental agreement.
  • Tenant’s Ability to Terminate
    • With proper written notice for unsafe conditions or habitability issues.
    • 30 days’ notice to terminate a month-to-month lease.[3]

Landlord’s Access to the Rental Property

Landlords must provide a 24-hour notice before entering rental property, unless it is an emergency, then no notice is required. [4]

Rent Due Dates and Late Fees

  • Rent Due Date – South Carolina does not mandate rent due dates, which are determined by the rental agreement.
  • Late Fees – may be charged if written in the agreement and the amount cannot be excessive.
  • Grace Period – 5-day grace period.
  • NSF Fee – $30 per bounced rent check. [5]

Eviction Procedures for Landlord and Tenant

Eviction requires the landlord to give proper notice to tenants and file an eviction complaint in court. Tenants can respond to the complaint to dispute the eviction. [6]

Property Maintenance Requirements

Landlords must make sure the rental properties meet the health and safety codes and address any repairs. Tenants can issue a written notice requesting repairs and may withhold rent or terminate the lease if repairs are not made within a reasonable timeframe. [7]

  • Note – Tenants may not make deductions from rent for repairs without written landlord approval.

Required Disclosure Forms (3)

  1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form – Landlords must disclose lead-based paint if the property was built before 1978. [8]
  2. Landlord/Owner Identification – Must provide the owner’s or landlords’s contact information and mailing address to send notices. [9]
  3. Unequal Deposits – Landlords must explain the deposit calculation methods in rental properties with over four connected units. [10]

Sources

  1. Chapter 40, Article 1
  2. § 27-40-410(a)
  3. § 27-40-770
  4. Source: § 27-40-530(c)
  5. § 34-11-70(a)
  6. sclegal.org
  7. Title 27 – Property and Conveyances
  8. 42 U.S. Code § 4852d
  9. § 27-40-420
  10. § 34-11-410a

Sample South Carolina Rental Lease Agreement Template