A South Carolina standard residential lease agreement is a contract between a landlord and a tenant. It allows the tenant to use the property in exchange for monthly rent payments. Typically, rent is due on the 1st of each month, and the tenant is responsible for paying most utilities and services, such as electricity and internet.
The agreement explains the terms and conditions for both parties, including the rent cost, maintenance and repair responsibilities, and lease dates.
Lease Length Considerations
- The law generally allows for flexibility in lease terms, meaning that a landlord can set a lease for various durations, such as month-to-month, six-month, one-year, or longer.
- If the rental agreement does not specify a specific duration, the tenancy will be on a weekly basis for roomers who pay rent weekly and on a monthly basis for all other cases. [1]
Required Disclosures
- Security deposit notice
- Notice of abandoned personal property
- Identification of the property owner or another authorized agent
- Disclosure of unequal deposits
- Lead-based paint disclosure
Our South Carolina lease agreement page explores the required disclosures in more depth.
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount ($): No state-imposed limit.
- Returning to Tenant: Within 30 days. [2]
Rent Payment
- Grace Period: The landlord must offer a five-day grace period for late rent payments. [3]
- Maximum Late Fee: The landlord doesn’t have to follow any maximums for late fees.
- NSF Fee: The landlord can charge no more than $30 per insufficient check. [4]
Landlord Resources
- Landlord-Tenant Laws – Title 27, Chapter 40 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act).
- Handbook – Landlord & Tenant Law in South Carolina.
