York County, SC Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Unfitness grounds
- Fire hazard, poor ventilation, structural defects
- Notice-to-comply window
- 15 days personal, 20 days by mail
- Max penalty
- $500 fine or 30 days jail
- Abatement admin fee
- $50 or 15% of cost, greater
- Appeal window
- 30 days to petition circuit court
Summary
York County can order a rental or any dwelling repaired or torn down if it's unfit to live in. Section 56.061 lets a public officer find a dwelling unfit for 'human use or occupancy' over hazards like fire risk, bad ventilation, structural defects or uncleanliness, triggering the abatement powers in §§ 56.130 through 56.138.
A public officer may determine that a dwelling is unfit for human use or occupancy if he finds that conditions exist in such dwelling which are dangerous or injurious to the health, safety or morals of the occupants of such dwelling, the occupants of neighboring dwellings, or other residents in the county. Such conditions may include the following (without limiting the generality of the foregoing): Defects therein increasing the hazards of fire, accidents or other calamities; lack of adequate ventilation, light or sanitary facilities; dilapidation; disrepair; structural defects; uncleanliness.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-49: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. 3925, passed 6-16-25).
Full Breakdown
001, as one unfit for human use or occupancy 'due to: (1) Dilapidation; (2) Defects increasing the hazards of fire, accidents or other calamities; (3) Lack of ventilation, light or sanitary facilities; or (4) Other conditions rendering such dwellings unsafe or insanitary, dangerous or detrimental to the health, safety or morals' of residents. 060 separately makes it unlawful for an owner, agent or occupant to maintain a building that is dangerous to life or limb or likely to cause a fire. 136 gives the owner 15 days from personal receipt, or 20 days from mailing, to fix the problem before being deemed in violation.
137 lets the county enter an administrative compliance order, board up the structure to keep people out, sue for an injunction or abatement order, or send in county crews or a contractor to fix the problem directly and place a lien on the property for the cost plus an administrative fee of $50 or 15% of the abatement cost, whichever is greater. 133.
Violations & Fines
Maintaining an unfit or dangerous dwelling after notice is a misdemeanor under § 56.999(A), punishable by a fine of up to $500 or up to 30 days in jail, with each day the violation continues counting as a separate offense. The county can also revoke or suspend a related permit or license for up to 90 days as an administrative remedy under § 56.134, and unpaid abatement costs become a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a rental unfit for occupancy in York County?
How long does a landlord have to fix an unfit dwelling in York County?
Can York County board up or demolish an unsafe house?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in York County
Compare York County to another location·View the South Carolina rental property rules overview
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