South Carolina · Step-by-step guide
How to sign a compliant South Carolina lease.
A practical walkthrough of the six things a South Carolina landlord must get right, in order, before and after signing.
Start My South Carolina Lease →1. Confirm the deposit cap
No statutory cap. Statutory cite: S.C. Code § 27-40-410.
2. Set late-fee terms correctly
Must be in lease and reasonable Landlords generally must allow a 5-day grace period before assessing it.
3. Plan entry notice
Give at least 24 hours' notice before entering the unit outside an emergency.
4. Give correct termination notice
30 days (month-to-month) for a month-to-month tenancy.
5. Attach every required disclosure
Lead-based paint, Non-refundable fees (separately stated), Unequal deposit rules disclosure.
6. Return the deposit on time
30 days. Statutory cite: S.C. Code § 27-40-410.
South Carolina guide FAQs
- What order should a South Carolina landlord follow before signing a lease?
- Confirm the deposit cap, set a compliant late fee, plan entry-notice language, set the correct termination notice, attach every required disclosure, and confirm the deposit-return timeline — in that order.
- Where can I find the full list of South Carolina required disclosures?
- See the full disclosure list on the South Carolina state page, or browse disclosure requirements by topic across all states.