SC · Security Deposit Law

Security deposit laws in South Carolina

30 days; 3x wrongfully withheld + attorney fees.

Return deadline

30 days

Itemization required

Yes

Bad-faith multiplier

What to do if your South Carolina landlord won't return your deposit

  • Confirm the 30-day window has passed since you provided a forwarding address.
  • Document the unit's move-out condition with photos and any walk-through notes.
  • Send a formal demand letter citing South Carolina's deposit return deadline and statutory damages.
  • If the landlord ignores your demand, file in small claims court — South Carolina allows up to 3x damages for wrongful withholding.
Generate a South Carolina demand letter