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

Everything South Carolina landlords need to file a Summary Ejectment in Horry 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 Horry County Courthouse Information

⚠️ Horry County β€” What Landlords Should Know

Horry County follows standard South Carolina eviction procedures.

Need an Eviction Attorney in Horry County?

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

Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Horry 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 Horry County Courthouse

After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Horry County Courthouse (1301 2nd Ave., Conway, SC 29526). 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 Horry 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 Horry 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.

Horry County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown

Cost Amount Notes
Court Filing Fee $80 Paid to Horry 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€” Horry County Evictions

How long does an eviction take in Horry County?

The typical Horry 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. Horry County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.

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

The court filing fee in Horry 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 Horry County?

Evictions in Horry County are filed at the Horry County Courthouse, located at 1301 2nd Ave., Conway, SC 29526. The case type is filed as a Summary Ejectment.

Can I file an eviction online in Horry County?

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

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

After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Horry 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