South Carolina URLTA requires landlords to return a tenant's security deposit, less itemized lawful deductions, within thirty days after termination of tenancy, with the tenant's forwarding address triggering the deadline statewide.
SC Code §27-40-410 governs security deposits in Charleston. Landlords must return the deposit, or provide a written itemized list of deductions for damages beyond ordinary wear and tear, within thirty days after the tenant vacates and provides a forwarding address. Permitted deductions include unpaid rent, repair of damage exceeding normal use, and other lawful charges named in the lease. Wrongful withholding entitles the tenant to recover up to three times the wrongfully withheld portion plus reasonable attorney's fees in magistrate court. Charleston magistrate court is the standard small-claims venue.
Wrongful withholding triggers up to triple-damages on the disputed portion plus tenant's attorney's fees under SC §27-40-410, recoverable in magistrate court.
Charleston, SC
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See how Charleston's security deposit rules rules stack up against other locations.
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