South Carolina · Security deposits · Updated Oct 2026

South Carolina security deposit law

In South Carolina, your landlord has 30 days to return your deposit.

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026

Short answer

In South Carolina, the deposit limit is: No statewide limit. The landlord must return it as follows: Within 30 days after the later of: the tenancy ends and you give back possession, or you ask for the deposit.

deposit limit: No statewide limit
to return a deposit: 30 days
deposit penalty: Up to 3×

Get your letter ↓ Check the deadline ↓

Get your deposit back, step by step

Before you move out, clean, take dated photos and video of every room, and return all keys.
Give your landlord your new address in writing. In South Carolina: Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing.
Wait for the deadline: Within 30 days after the later of: the tenancy ends and you give back possession, or you ask for the deposit.
If the money or an itemized list doesn't come, or the deductions are wrong, send a demand letter (below). Keep proof of mailing.
If that doesn't work, sue in small claims court. Limit: $7,500 in Magistrate Court. Small claims court in South Carolina on RobinClaim

Deposit return calculator for South Carolina

Find your state's deadline for returning a security deposit, whether your landlord is late and what you may be owed.

Security deposit demand letter for South Carolina

A short, firm and polite letter asking your landlord to return your deposit by a date. It cites your state's deposit law. Many landlords pay at this step, and the letter is proof that you asked. Fill this in, download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it), sign it, keep a copy and send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt.

Your full name (required)

Where should they send your money? (your mailing address) (required)

Phone

Landlord or property manager (required)

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

Landlord's address (required to mail it)

Address of the rental (required)

I will hand it to the landlord or email it (no mailing address needed)

Date of the letter

Usually today. The deadline in the letter counts from this date.

Date you moved in

Date you moved out (required)

Deposit you paid ($) (required)

Amount the landlord returned ($)

Did you get an itemized list of deductions?

Days the landlord has to pay

We suggest 14 days.

Why the deductions are wrong (optional, in English)

One or two sentences. This text goes into the letter as written.

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Other formats

Sign it, keep a copy, and send it by certified mail with a return receipt. The receipt is your proof that the landlord got it.

Security deposit in South Carolina

Limit: No statewide limit.
Deadline to return it: Within 30 days after the later of: the tenancy ends and you give back possession, or you ask for the deposit. Give the landlord your forwarding address in writing. If you don't, you lose the right to the extra (triple) damages if the landlord had no other way to know where you went and mailed the notice and refund to your last known address.
Itemized list: Deductions must be itemized in a written notice sent with any refund within the 30 days. Receipts are not required by the law.
What may be deducted: Unpaid rent and damages caused by your failure to meet your duties as a tenant (for example, damage beyond normal use, not keeping the unit clean and safe). In complexes with more than 4 units, if the landlord charges different tenants different deposits without posting the standards, the extra part can't be used for damages.
Interest: No statute requires interest.
If the landlord keeps it wrongly: Three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees.
Law: S.C. Code § 27-40-410

Small claims court in South Carolina

Deposit disputes usually go to small claims court, where you don't need a lawyer. Limit: $7,500 in Magistrate Court.

How to file in South Carolina

More for South Carolina renters

Security deposit in nearby states

Sources

Checked against official sources: Oct 23, 2026