South Carolina Security Deposit Return Deadline & Penalty Calculator
Thursday, November 12, 2026
Computed as 30 calendar days under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410.
South Carolina Small Claims Court cap: $7,500 — eligible for Small Claims Court filing.
South Carolina Security Deposit Rules at a Glance (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410)
30 calendar days after termination of tenancy, delivery of possession, and demand by the tenant with a written forwarding address under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410. The landlord must provide an itemized list of deductions and the remaining refund.
| Deadline (No Deductions) | 30 calendar days |
|---|---|
| Deadline (With Itemized Deductions) | 30 calendar days |
| Maximum Deposit Cap | No statewide statutory limit under South Carolina law; however, under § 27-40-410(b), if a landlord charges different deposit rates for adjoining or similar units, the landlord must post or explain the calculation formula. |
| Bad-Faith / Late Penalty | Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410(b), if the landlord fails to return the deposit or provide the itemized damage notice within 30 days without good cause, the tenant may recover the amount due plus an amount equal to three times (3x) the amount wrongfully withheld, together with reasonable attorney's fees. |
| Deposit Interest Rule | Not required under South Carolina state law; landlords are not obligated to pay interest on residential security deposits to tenants. |
| Small Claims Court Limit | $7,500 |
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Key South Carolina Statutory Nuances & Documentation Rules
- Written Forwarding Address Prerequisite (§ 27-40-410(a)): The tenant must provide the landlord in writing with an address to which the amount may be sent. Failure to provide an address relieves the landlord of penalty damages under subsection (b).
- Notice of Calculation Rules for Different Deposit Amounts (§ 27-40-410(b)): If the landlord rents more than 4 adjoining units and charges different deposit amounts to different tenants, the calculation standard must be posted or explained in writing.
- Treble Damages for Withholding Without Good Cause: Courts in South Carolina enforce up to three times the amount withheld plus reasonable attorney fees upon proving the landlord failed to provide an accounting.
- Magistrate Court Jurisdiction: Landlord-tenant deposit disputes in South Carolina are heard in Magistrate Small Claims Court with jurisdiction up to $7,500.
Charleston Rental Move-Out Past 30 Days
A tenant moves out of a Charleston apartment on July 31, 2026 and leaves a written forwarding address. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410, the landlord has 30 days (until August 30, 2026, rolling to Monday, August 31, 2026) to mail the itemized accounting and refund. If the landlord retains $900 without providing the accounting by August 31, the tenant can sue in South Carolina Magistrate Court (limit $7,500) for the $900 balance plus $2,700 (3x $900) in statutory damages, totaling $3,600 plus attorney's fees.
South Carolina Security Deposit Return FAQs
How long does a South Carolina landlord have to return a security deposit?
Under South Carolina Code Annotated § 27-40-410(a), the landlord must mail an itemized list of deductions and the remaining refund within 30 calendar days after tenancy termination, delivery of possession, and demand with a forwarding address.
What is the penalty if a South Carolina landlord fails to return the deposit?
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410(b), if the landlord fails to return any prepaid rent or security deposit within 30 days without good cause, the tenant may recover three times (3x) the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
Does a tenant in South Carolina have to provide a forwarding address?
Yes. Under § 27-40-410(a), the tenant must provide a written forwarding address. Failure to do so relieves the landlord of liability for treble statutory damages under the act.
Is there a limit on security deposits in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina does not set a statutory maximum on residential security deposits; the amount is determined by the lease contract.