South Carolina Lease Agreement: What to Include
October 28, 2025South Carolina's rules are set out in the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and are relatively streamlined compared to some other states — but still have specific requirements worth confirming.
Security deposits
South Carolina has no statewide statutory cap on the deposit amount, and no requirement to pay interest. Deposits must generally be returned within 30 days of move-out, with an itemized list of deductions if any amount is withheld.
Entry notice
South Carolina generally expects 24 hours' notice before entering an occupied unit for non-emergency purposes.
Required disclosures
A South Carolina lease should include or accompany:
- • Federal lead-based paint disclosure (for pre-1978 buildings)
- • Owner or authorized agent disclosure
Eviction notice
South Carolina generally requires a 5-day notice to pay or vacate before eviction proceedings can move forward for nonpayment.
The bottom line
South Carolina's baseline rules are relatively close to a generic template compared to some other states, but the owner/agent disclosure requirement is still worth confirming is included. See LeasePilot HQ's full South Carolina landlord-tenant law summary for the complete breakdown with sources, or generate a lease with South Carolina-specific clauses built in automatically.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cap on security deposits in South Carolina?
No — South Carolina has no statewide statutory limit on security deposit amounts.
How fast can I evict a tenant in South Carolina for nonpayment?
South Carolina generally requires a 5-day pay-or-vacate notice before filing for eviction related to nonpayment of rent.
What owner information do I need to disclose to tenants?
South Carolina requires disclosing the identity of the property owner or an authorized agent who tenants can contact regarding the property — a specific, sometimes overlooked requirement.