Full question:
I am thinking of moving to South Carolina from New York. We have a maximum prescribed security deposit amount in New York that a landlord may charge his prospective tenant. Does the tenancy law in South Carolina prescribe the same? Also, at the expiry of the lease, how long does the landlord have to return the deposit?
- Category: Landlord Tenant
- Subcategory: Security Deposit
- Date:
- State: South Carolina
Answer:
In South Carolina, there is no state-mandated limit on the amount a landlord can charge for a security deposit. However, it's advisable to check local city and county laws, as they may impose their own limits.
According to South Carolina law, a landlord must return the security deposit within thirty days after the tenant moves out. This includes any deductions for unpaid rent or damages, which must be itemized in a written notice to the tenant. If the tenant does not provide a forwarding address, the landlord is not liable for damages if they send the notice to the tenant's last known address (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410).
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.