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South Carolina security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In South Carolina, a landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (S.C. Code § 27-40-410). Under South Carolina law, a landlord who wrongfully keeps a deposit can owe up to three times the amount withheld.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

30

days for a South Carolina landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit, minus unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, with a written accounting of any deductions.

What the landlord must send you

A written, itemized accounting of how any part of the deposit was applied.

Penalty for wrongful withholding

If the landlord doesn't return the deposit within 30 days, the tenant may recover three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees (S.C. Code § 27-40-410).

Your forwarding address

South Carolina tenants must give a forwarding address; without one, a tenant can't recover more than the original deposit (S.C. Code § 27-40-410). The letter includes yours.

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

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Did the landlord send you a written, itemized list of deductions?

South Carolina security deposit FAQ

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

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends, the landlord must return the deposit, minus unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, with a written accounting of any deductions.

What must a South Carolina landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

A written, itemized accounting of how any part of the deposit was applied.

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in South Carolina?

If the landlord doesn't return the deposit within 30 days, the tenant may recover three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees (S.C. Code § 27-40-410).

Do I need to give my South Carolina landlord a forwarding address?

South Carolina tenants must give a forwarding address; without one, a tenant can't recover more than the original deposit (S.C. Code § 27-40-410). The letter includes yours.

How do I get my security deposit back in South Carolina?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 30 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites S.C. Code § 27-40-410 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

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