South Carolina Security Deposit Law, Explained
South Carolina's deposit rule is not just a number of days. It depends on termination, possession, tenant demand, and a written forwarding address.
The core rule
Under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the landlord must return the deposit after termination of the tenancy, less lawful deductions for accrued rent and damages caused by tenant noncompliance.
If the landlord claims deductions, the deduction must be itemized in a written notice to the tenant, together with 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.
What deductions are limited to
South Carolina permits deductions for accrued rent and damages caused by tenant noncompliance. Ordinary wear and tear should not be treated as damage caused by tenant noncompliance.
If the landlord keeps money, ask whether the charge is itemized, tied to the facts, and actually within the allowed categories.
The forwarding address matters
Provide a forwarding address in writing and keep proof. This is not just a convenience step. South Carolina's statute says the tenant shall provide the landlord in writing with a forwarding address.
Remedies can be strong
When the landlord fails to return the deposit within the required time, South Carolina can allow the tenant to recover the money due, an amount equal to three times the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney's fees.
The practical point is to keep the timeline clean: termination, possession delivery, demand, forwarding address, itemized notice, amount withheld, and amount still owed.
What to document
- lease and deposit amount
- date tenancy ended
- date possession was delivered
- written demand for the deposit
- written forwarding address
- move-in and move-out photos or video
- any itemized written notice, deductions, or refund
- all letters, emails, texts, and mailing proof
Read the statute source
The main source is the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, S.C. Code Ann. section 27-40-410.
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