South Carolina security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit: No statutory cap
Return deadline: 30 days
Interest: Not required by the statute

No cap. Deductions must be itemized in writing within thirty days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant demands it, whichever is later. Wrongful withholding: three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.

Source: S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410 · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

State

Monthly rent ($)

No statutory cap

South Carolina's statute sets no maximum: the amount is whatever the lease says. We show no « maximum » we would have to invent.

Return deadline

30 days

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant asks, whichever is later: an itemized notice of deductions with the amount due. The tenant must give a written forwarding address.

Interest required

Not required by the statute

South Carolina: No cap. Deductions must be itemized in writing within thirty days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant demands it, whichever is later. Wrongful withholding: three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.

Source: S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410 · read on 2026-11-09

South Carolina: common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in South Carolina?

South Carolina's statute sets no maximum. No cap. Deductions must be itemized in writing within thirty days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant demands it, whichever is later. Wrongful withholding: three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees.

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in South Carolina?

30 days. Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant asks, whichever is later: an itemized notice of deductions with the amount due. The tenant must give a written forwarding address.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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