South Carolina · Repairs · Updated Oct 2026

South Carolina tenant repair rights

What a landlord in South Carolina must keep in repair, how to ask for repairs, whether you can repair and deduct or withhold rent, and the protection against retaliation.

Short answer

The landlord must follow building and housing codes, make repairs needed to keep the home fit and habitable, keep common areas reasonably safe, supply running water, reasonable hot water and heat, and keep electrical, gas, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and supplied appliances in good working order.

Repair and deduct
Not allowed
Withholding rent
Not allowed
Notice before entry
24 hours

Repairs in South Carolina

The landlord's duty
The landlord must follow building and housing codes, make repairs needed to keep the home fit and habitable, keep common areas reasonably safe, supply running water, reasonable hot water and heat, and keep electrical, gas, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning and supplied appliances in good working order. Appliances in the unit are presumed supplied by the landlord unless the lease excludes them. S.C. Code § 27-40-440.
How to ask for repairs
Give the landlord written notice describing the problem. For serious problems you may give a 14-day written notice: if the landlord doesn't fix it within 14 days, the lease ends on the date in the notice. You may also sue for damages.
Repair and deduct
Not allowed for repairs. The law says tenants may not make repairs and deduct the cost from rent. The only exception: if the landlord fails to provide essential services (water, hot water, heat, electricity, gas, plumbing/sewer), after written notice you may buy reasonable amounts of the service and deduct that cost, or sue for reduced rent value. S.C. Code § 27-40-630.
Withholding rent
No right to withhold rent. If sued for unpaid rent, you can raise the landlord's violations as a defense or counterclaim only if the landlord had notice at least 14 days before rent was due (or, for essential services, in time to make emergency repairs). S.C. Code § 27-40-640.
Law
S.C. Code §§ 27-40-440, 27-40-610, 27-40-630, 27-40-640

Landlord entry in South Carolina

At least 24 hours' notice, and entry only at reasonable times. Exceptions: emergencies (including coming dangerous weather); regularly scheduled services such as pest control or filter changes between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. if the lease says so and the landlord announces entry; and repairs you asked for, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., after announcing. S.C. Code § 27-40-530.

Retaliation in South Carolina

The landlord may not raise rent above fair-market value, cut essential services, or file for eviction because you complained to a code agency or complained to the landlord about violations. You can use it as a defense and get the lockout remedies. Warning: if your defense has no merit, you may owe the landlord's attorney fees, and up to 3 months' rent or triple damages if raised in bad faith. No presumption period. S.C. Code § 27-40-910.

Get repairs made, step by step

  1. Write down the problem and take dated photos or video.
  2. Ask in writing and keep a copy. In South Carolina: Give the landlord written notice describing the problem.
  3. Give the landlord the time the rule allows, and let them in to do the work with proper notice.
  4. If nothing happens, call your local housing or code inspector and talk to legal aid before you stop paying any rent.
  5. Keep paying rent unless the rule above lets you withhold it and you follow its steps exactly.

Repair request letter for South Carolina

Ask your landlord in writing to fix the problem by a date. A written, dated request is the first step in almost every state, and it is proof that the landlord knew. Check the problems, add dates, then download the letter as PDF or Word (or copy it). Sign it, keep a copy and photos, and send it in a way you can prove.

Your letter is made in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to us or anyone else.

The name on your lease or rent receipts.

What needs repair? (required)

Your state's rule on repair requests is shown below the form.

South Carolina's rule on asking for repairs:Give the landlord written notice describing the problem. For serious problems you may give a 14-day written notice: if the landlord doesn't fix it within 14 days, the lease ends on the date in the notice. You may also sue for damages.

Dates, rooms and how the problem affects you. This text goes into the letter as written.

Where to get free help in South Carolina

Questions about repairs in South Carolina

How do I ask my landlord for repairs in South Carolina?

Give the landlord written notice describing the problem. For serious problems you may give a 14-day written notice: if the landlord doesn't fix it within 14 days, the lease ends on the date in the notice. You may also sue for damages.

Can I repair and deduct the cost from rent in South Carolina?

Not allowed for repairs. The law says tenants may not make repairs and deduct the cost from rent. The only exception: if the landlord fails to provide essential services (water, hot water, heat, electricity, gas, plumbing/sewer), after written notice you may buy reasonable amounts of the service and deduct that cost, or sue for reduced rent value. S.C. Code § 27-40-630.

Can I withhold rent for repairs in South Carolina?

No right to withhold rent. If sued for unpaid rent, you can raise the landlord's violations as a defense or counterclaim only if the landlord had notice at least 14 days before rent was due (or, for essential services, in time to make emergency repairs). S.C. Code § 27-40-640.

How much notice does a landlord need to enter in South Carolina?

At least 24 hours' notice, and entry only at reasonable times. Exceptions: emergencies (including coming dangerous weather); regularly scheduled services such as pest control or filter changes between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. if the lease says so and the landlord announces entry; and repairs you asked for, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., after announcing. S.C. Code § 27-40-530.

Can my landlord retaliate if I complain in South Carolina?

The landlord may not raise rent above fair-market value, cut essential services, or file for eviction because you complained to a code agency or complained to the landlord about violations. You can use it as a defense and get the lockout remedies. Warning: if your defense has no merit, you may owe the landlord's attorney fees, and up to 3 months' rent or triple damages if raised in bad faith. No presumption period. S.C. Code § 27-40-910.

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Sources

Last checked: Oct 2026.