Richland County Eviction Court — Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything South Carolina landlords need to file a Summary Ejectment in Richland County — fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
🏛️ Richland County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: Richland County Courthouse
- Address: 1701 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201
- Phone: (803) 576-1980
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
- Case type: Summary Ejectment
⚠️ Richland County — What Landlords Should Know
Richland County follows standard South Carolina eviction procedures.
Need an Eviction Attorney in Richland County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local Richland County eviction attorney — free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in Richland County
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.
File Your Summary Ejectment at Richland County Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the Richland County Courthouse (1701 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201). The filing fee is $80. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In Richland 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 — improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in Richland 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.
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 — this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in South Carolina.
Richland County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $80 | Paid to Richland 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 — Richland County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in Richland County?
The typical Richland County eviction takes 3–5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement — assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. Richland County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Richland County?
The court filing fee in Richland 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 Richland County?
Evictions in Richland County are filed at the Richland County Courthouse, located at 1701 Main St., Columbia, SC 29201. The case type is filed as a Summary Ejectment.
Can I file an eviction online in Richland County?
Richland County does not currently offer online filing for eviction cases. You must file in person at the Richland County Courthouse.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in Richland 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 Richland County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The Richland County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ — 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.
See full South Carolina eviction laws and notice requirements.
South Carolina Eviction Guide for Landlords →Download the eviction notice you must serve before filing in South Carolina.
South Carolina Eviction Notice Templates →Is your tenant facing eviction in Richland County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in Richland County →Relevant South Carolina Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: SC Code § 27-40-710
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change — verify with current South Carolina statutes or a licensed Richland County attorney.