South Carolina Security Deposit Laws (2026): 30 Days, Forwarding Address & Treble Damages

South Carolina starts its 30-day clock only after the tenancy ends, the landlord gets the unit back, and you demand the deposit. All three events have to happen first, so send that demand in writing.

By Lamuko Editorial Team✓ Checked against official statute textUpdated Oct 17, 2026

South Carolina deposit rules at a glance

Timeline: move-in to refund

Maximum deposit	No statutory cap
Return deadline	30 days after the later of termination, delivery of possession, and your demand
Itemized list	Written notice itemizing the amounts withheld
Interest	Not required
Penalty	3× the amount wrongfully withheld + reasonable attorney fees
Forwarding address	Give it in writing, or the landlord's duty is limited

The three-part trigger

Section 27-40-410 requires the landlord to return the deposit, minus allowable deductions, within 30 days after the later of: the termination of the tenancy, the delivery of possession, and your demand. In practice, write a demand letter when you hand back the keys.

What can be deducted

The landlord may apply the deposit to accrued rent and to damages you caused by failing to comply with the lease or the state Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Any deduction must be itemized in a written notice delivered to you with the balance.

The forwarding address

Give a forwarding address in writing. If you did not leave a forwarding address and the landlord cannot reach you, the statute limits what the landlord owes you. Leave your address in writing on move-out day.

Practical record-keeping

Because the 30-day period does not start until the last of the three trigger events, keep dated proof of each one: the lease end date or notice, a key-return receipt or photo, and a copy of your written demand with proof of mailing. That record shows exactly when the deadline ran.

Treble damages

If the landlord fails to comply, you may recover the property and money due plus damages of three times the amount wrongfully withheld, and reasonable attorney's fees. The statute also requires landlords of buildings with more than four adjoining units to post or provide the standards used to decide deposit deductions.

Our calculator counts 30 days.

Steps to recover a South Carolina deposit

Photograph the unit when you return the keys.
Send a written demand with your forwarding address.
Count 30 days from the last of the three trigger events.
Send a second demand that cites § 27-40-410 and treble damages.
If that fails, file a claim in small claims court.

Neighboring states

North Carolina caps deposits and sets 30 days. Georgia caps them at two months and also allows treble damages.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a cap on security deposits in South Carolina?

No. S.C. Code § 27-40-410 sets no maximum.

How long does a South Carolina landlord have to return a deposit?

30 days after the later of termination, delivery of possession, and your demand.

What is the penalty in South Carolina?

Three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees.

Do I need to give a forwarding address in South Carolina?

Yes. Give it in writing, because the landlord's duty is limited if it cannot reach you.

Sources

S.C. Code § 27-40-410 (South Carolina Legislature)

Last reviewed Oct 17, 2026. Read how we verify. Found an error? Tell us.

Other state guides

Not legal advice. Lamuko Rent Laws provides general legal information about state statutes, not legal advice, and using this site does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and courts interpret them; city and county ordinances (for example Chicago, San Francisco or New York City rules) can be stricter than state law, and your lease or a subsidized-housing program may add terms. Fields marked “Verify with statute” have not yet been confirmed by us against the official text. Check the linked statute or talk to a licensed attorney or local legal-aid office before acting.