Greenville County Eviction Court β€” Landlord Filing Guide (2025)

Everything South Carolina landlords need to file a Summary Ejectment in Greenville County β€” fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.

$80
Filing fee
2–3 weeks
Hearing wait
3–5 weeks
Total process
In Person
Filing method

πŸ›οΈ Greenville County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Greenville County β€” What Landlords Should Know

Greenville County uses Magistrate Court for summary ejectment.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Greenville County?

Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Greenville County eviction attorney β€” free consultation.

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Greenville County

1

Serve the Required Notice

Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 5-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 14-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per South Carolina law.

2

File Your Summary Ejectment at Greenville County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Greenville County Courthouse (305 E. North St., Greenville, SC 29601). The filing fee is $80. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.

3

Serve the Summons on the Tenant

After filing, the court issues a summons. In Greenville County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $25. You must NOT serve the summons yourself β€” improper service can get your case dismissed.

4

Attend the Court Hearing

Hearings in Greenville County are typically scheduled 2–3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.

5

Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The South Carolina Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself β€” this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in South Carolina.

Greenville County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $80 Paid to Greenville County Clerk of Court
Summons Service $25 Sheriff or process server fee
Writ of Possession ~$21–$25 Sheriff enforcement after judgment
Attorney (optional) $400–$1500 Recommended for contested cases

Frequently Asked Questions β€” Greenville County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Greenville County?

The typical Greenville County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement β€” assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Greenville County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

How much does it cost to file an eviction in Greenville County?

The court filing fee in Greenville County is $80. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($25), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$21–$25), and attorney fees if represented ($400–$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $126–$130.

What court handles evictions in Greenville County?

Evictions in Greenville County are filed at the Greenville County Courthouse, located at 305 E. North St., Greenville, SC 29601. The case type is filed as a Summary Ejectment.

Can I file an eviction online in Greenville County?

Greenville County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Greenville County Courthouse.

Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Greenville County?

South Carolina law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.

What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in Greenville County?

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Greenville County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ β€” notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in South Carolina.

Relevant South Carolina Statutes