Eviction Laws in South Carolina
Complete landlord & tenant guide — notice requirements, filing fees, tenant rights, and step-by-step instructions.
5
Day Notice Minimum
$80
Court Filing Fee
2-4 weeks
Process Length
Weak
Tenant Protections
🏠 Landlord Guide
How to Evict a Tenant in South Carolina
- 1 Serve the Notice
Serve a written notice giving the tenant 5 days to pay, cure the violation, or vacate.
- 2 File in Court
File an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit at your local courthouse. Filing fee: $80.
- 3 Serve Tenant with Summons
The court will issue a summons. Have it served on the tenant by an authorized person.
- 4 Attend the Hearing
Present your evidence. If tenant doesn't appear, you'll likely get a default judgment.
- 5 Writ of Possession
After winning, get a Writ of Possession. The sheriff will enforce the lockout.
🔑 Tenant Rights
Your Rights as a Tenant in South Carolina
- ✓ You have 5 days after receiving a notice to respond before your landlord can file in court.
- ✓ You have the right to appear in court and present your defense. Always show up.
- ✓ Your landlord cannot change your locks, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities without a court order.
- ✓ Tenant protections in South Carolina are rated Weak.
- ✓ Common defenses: improper notice, habitability issues, retaliation, discrimination, or rent was already paid.
- ✓ An eviction can stay on your record for 7 years — learn about expungement in South Carolina.
Notice Types Used in South Carolina
Pay or Quit Notice
Non-payment of rent
Unconditional Quit Notice
Serious violations, repeat offenses, illegal activity
Eviction Rate
5.0%
annual eviction rate
Self-Representation
Allowed
can represent yourself in court
Top Cities
Columbia
Charleston
North Charleston
Mount Pleasant
Have an eviction on your record?
Find out if you qualify for eviction expungement in South Carolina — which can help you rent again and improve your housing options.
South Carolina Expungement Guide →