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
3×
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.