How can a lease be terminated in the State of South Carolina?

If the parties have a written lease, either the expiration date or the amount of notice required should be in the lease. If the rental agreement is verbal, either party may terminate the agreement by giving 30 days written notice (if the agreement is month-to-month), or 7 days written notice (if the agreement is week-to-week).

On what grounds can a landlord evict a tenant?

A landlord can evict a tenant for a number of reasons, including: (i) non-payment of rent, (ii) failure to comply with the terms of the rental agreement or the provisions of the Act, (iii) behavior which may endanger the health or safety of other residents, or result in damage to the property, (iv) criminal or drug related activities on the premises.

The landlord must first give the tenant proper notice. If the tenant fails to cure the problem within the allotted time period, the landlord may commence an eviction action in court.

A landlord may not cut off utilities or necessary services, lock a tenant out or otherwise try to take possession of the premises by any means other than through the courts.

A landlord cannot increase rent, threaten eviction, cut off or reduce services as retaliation against a tenant for complaining to the landlord or to a government agency with respect to the condition of the premises, for organizing or joining a tenants' association, or otherwise availing him/herself of any other lawful rights and remedies.



The foregoing summary is provided for information purposes only and is not to be considered legal or business advice. The information may not be complete, accurate or applicable for any particular situation and should not be relied upon.

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