South Carolina Residential Rental Agreement
The South Carolina Standard Residential Rental Agreement (Form 410) is the state-official contract used for creating a binding agreement where a property is rented in exchange for regular payments. The rental contract contains highly specific provisions used to ensure both the property manager and tenant(s) have a complete understanding of what is expected of them until the lease’s expiration, which is typically one (1) year after signing. Because of the document’s official nature, the parties should read the document closely before signing, as making a change to the agreement after a tenant has moved-in can prove exceptionally difficult. An important note regarding SC law is that landlords cannot enter a property unless twenty-four (24) hours notice has been given, and the entry is made at a reasonable time.
Tenant Screening: South Carolina Rental Application
State Laws
Laws: §§ 27-40-10 to 27-40-940 “Residential Landlord and Tenant Act”
Maximum Security Deposit: No statutory limit.
Permitted Uses of the Deposit: Landlords can make deductions from security deposits to remedy the following:
- Any unpaid rent or fees, and
- Damages to the property that resulted due to the tenant’s noncompliance with § 27-40-510.
Deadline for Returning Security Deposits (§ 27-40-410): Proceeding delivery of the property by the tenant or the termination of the tenancy, landlords have thirty (30) days to return all or a portion of the security deposit to the tenant (depending on what deductions were made, if any).
Required Notice for Property Access (§ 27-40-530(c)): Twenty-four (24) hours and landlords can only make entry at reasonable times.