The deadline depends on the trigger
South Carolina's security deposit deadline is 30 days, but the trigger matters.
If deductions are claimed, the landlord must itemize them in a written notice and send any amount due within 30 days after termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, and demand by the tenant, whichever is later.
The tenant must provide the landlord in writing with a forwarding address. Do that in a way you can prove, because the cleanest deadline argument depends on the written record.
What that means in practice
Do not count only from the day you moved out unless that date also matches the other required facts.
Ask:
- Has the tenancy ended?
- Did you deliver possession?
- Did you demand return of the deposit?
- Did you provide a forwarding address in writing?
- Did the landlord send an itemized written notice and any amount due?
What changes after the deadline passes
Once the correct deadline has passed, the dispute becomes more focused. The key questions are whether the landlord sent a written itemization, whether deductions fit South Carolina law, whether ordinary wear and tear was charged, and how much remains wrongfully withheld.
That is when a written demand usually becomes more useful. It should connect the deadline to your proof: tenancy end, possession delivery, demand, forwarding address, itemization, deductions, and the amount still owed.
Remedy position
South Carolina can support recovery of the money due, three times the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney's fees when the statutory conditions are met.
Get the Deposit Recovery System
Important: This page provides general information and is not legal advice.