LANDLORD GUIDE ยท SOUTH CAROLINA
Reviewed November 13, 2026
For an existing private residential tenancy. Fixed-term changes, assisted housing, mobile-home spaces and required local forms need a separate review. This guide explains selected rules; it is not a coverage determination or legal advice for a particular property.
The agreement supplies the change procedure
South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act covers rental terms and periodic-tenancy termination. Section 27-40-770's monthly termination rule should not be described as a dedicated rent-increase permission. This tool uses 30 days plus a future full rental cycle as a planning buffer while the agreement's modification and renewal terms are reviewed.
An agreement for one year does not become monthly because rent is due each month. Identify any lawful adjustment provision or plan for a later renewal. Where the parties must agree to a change, preserve that agreement separately from proof that a notice was delivered.
[1] South Carolina Code Chapter 27-40 - residential tenancies
A new rule is not a shortcut around rent terms
Section 27-40-520 addresses rules concerning use and occupancy and substantial modifications of the tenant's bargain. Do not label a new rent or mandatory charge a house rule to avoid reviewing the contract. Identify exactly which obligation is changing and use appropriate written terms.
If the property is assisted or income-restricted, confirm the governing program and approvals. A private-rental notice cannot determine the amount permitted under a housing agreement.
[1] South Carolina Code Chapter 27-40 - residential tenancies
Example: rent and services change together
A landlord proposes $1,470 instead of $1,400, a $70 or 5% base-rent increase, and also intends to stop paying water. The tenant's cost change is not fully described by the rent figure alone. Document the service change and required agreement; do not leave the standard sentence saying all other terms are unchanged.
[1] South Carolina Code Chapter 27-40 - residential tenancies
Before implementation
Confirm the proposed date against the lease and actual delivery. Address the tenants accurately, retain the signed final notice and update the payment system only to the reviewed amount and date. Keep repair issues separate from negotiations. If there is a dispute about authority, consent or delivery, resolve it before treating the proposed difference as unpaid rent. The continuing-tenancy letter does not replace a termination notice or court process.
[1] South Carolina Code Chapter 27-40 - residential tenancies
Official sources and updates
Dated caps apply only to the periods stated. Check the official sources before preparing a later increase.