South Carolina has no statute capping residential late fees or setting a grace period before one applies. Late charges are governed entirely by the lease, and the Act treats agreed late charges as part of recoverable rent. A late fee must still be reasonable and disclosed in the agreement to be enforceable.
The South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code Title 27, Chapter 40) contains no provision limiting the amount of a late fee or requiring a grace period before it may be charged. Section 27-40-210 defines "rent" to include "late charges," so a properly disclosed late fee is recoverable as part of rent, but the statute sets no dollar or percentage ceiling. Because the law is silent, the amount and trigger for a late fee come from the lease agreement, which both parties must accept. Courts may still refuse to enforce a charge that operates as an unreasonable penalty rather than a genuine estimate of the landlord's loss, so an excessive or undisclosed late fee can be challenged. No statutory cap otherwise applies.
No specific statutory penalty. A late fee not disclosed in the lease, or one a court finds to be an unreasonable penalty rather than liquidated damages, may be unenforceable and recoverable by the tenant in a civil action.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound amplification permits available for events. SC Code §16-17-530 applies.
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston addresses barking dogs under its animal control ordinances. Persistent barking that disturbs neighbors constitutes a nuisance. North Charles...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston permits construction during standard daytime hours. Construction activity is generally allowed from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 8 AM to 6 P...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates noise under Chapter 15, Article II of the City Code. Excessive noise that disturbs the peace is prohibited, with stricter enforcem...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston regulates on-street parking through posted signs and general ordinances. Vehicles may not be parked for more than 72 hours in the same locat...
North Charleston, SC
North Charleston requires driveways to meet certain standards. Parking is only allowed on paved or approved surfaces, and vehicles may not block sidewalks or...
See how North Charleston's late fees & grace periods rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.