South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement

Lease Date: [[Lease Agreement Date]]
Landlord Name(s): [[Landlord Full Legal Name(s)]]
Tenant Name(s): [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]
Property Address: [[Full Property Street Address]], [[City]], South Carolina [[ZIP Code]]

This Residential Lease Agreement ("Lease") is entered into on the date above between Landlord and Tenant. Landlord leases to Tenant, and Tenant leases from Landlord, the residential premises described above (the "Premises") upon the terms and conditions set forth below.

1. Premises

Landlord leases to Tenant the dwelling unit located at the Property Address above, together with any included appliances, fixtures, parking spaces, and storage areas listed here: [[Included Appliances, Furnishings, Parking, Storage]].

The Premises shall be used solely as a private residence for Tenant and the following authorized occupants: [[Authorized Occupants Names and Relationships]].

Tenant has inspected the Premises (or had the opportunity to inspect) and accepts the Premises in its present condition except as noted in the attached Move-In Inventory and Condition Report.

2. Term

The initial term of this Lease is [[Lease Term Length, e.g. 12 months]], beginning on [[Lease Start / Move-In Date]] and ending on [[Lease End Date]].

Upon expiration, the tenancy shall convert to month-to-month unless a new written agreement is signed. Either party may terminate a month-to-month tenancy by giving the other party at least thirty (30) days' written notice.

3. Rent

Tenant shall pay monthly rent of $[[Monthly Rent Amount]], due in advance on the [[Rent Due Day, e.g. 1st]] day of each month.

Rent is payable to [[Landlord or Property Manager Name]] at [[Payment Address or Online Portal]] by [[Accepted Methods: check, electronic, etc.]].

If the term begins on a day other than the first of the month, the first month's rent shall be prorated on a 30-day basis: $[[Prorated First Month Amount]].

4. Late Fees and Returned Payments

Rent is late if not received by the [[Due Date + Grace Period, e.g. 5th]] of the month. Tenant shall pay a late fee of $[[Late Fee Amount or %]] for each late payment.

A fee of $[[NSF / Returned Payment Fee]] applies to any returned or dishonored payment.

5. Security Deposit

Upon execution of this Lease, Tenant shall pay a security deposit of $[[Security Deposit Amount]].

Under South Carolina law, the security deposit may not exceed two (2) months' rent for most residential tenancies.

The deposit secures Tenant's faithful performance of the Lease. Landlord may apply the deposit to:
- Unpaid rent
- Cleaning required to return the Premises to move-in condition (beyond normal wear and tear)
- Repair of damage caused by Tenant's negligence or misuse (beyond normal wear and tear)

6. Security Deposit Return and Move-In / Move-Out Procedures

Within five (5) days after the commencement of the tenancy, Landlord shall provide Tenant with a written move-in inventory and condition report. Tenant has forty-eight (48) hours to review, note any discrepancies, sign, and return the report to Landlord.

Upon termination of the tenancy and Tenant's vacating of the Premises, Landlord shall return the security deposit (less lawful deductions) together with an itemized written statement of any deductions within thirty (30) days after the later of:
- Termination of the tenancy, or
- Tenant's vacating the Premises and providing a forwarding address in writing.

If Landlord fails to return the deposit and statement within the 30-day period, Landlord forfeits the right to withhold any portion and may be liable for actual damages plus reasonable attorney's fees.

Tenant shall provide Landlord a written forwarding address to trigger the 30-day deadline.

7. Utilities and Services

Tenant shall be responsible for and pay promptly for the following utilities and services: [[Tenant Paid Utilities List, e.g. electricity, gas, water, sewer, trash, internet]].

Landlord shall be responsible for: [[Landlord Paid Utilities, e.g. none or specific]].

Tenant shall not allow any utility service in Tenant's name to be disconnected.

8. Occupants, Guests, and Use of Premises

The Premises shall be occupied only by the persons listed in Section 1. No additional occupants without Landlord's prior written consent.

A guest staying more than [[Guest Limit, e.g. 14 consecutive days or 30 total days in any calendar year]] without prior written consent may be deemed an unauthorized occupant and a breach of this Lease.

Tenant shall use the Premises in a lawful, safe, and sanitary manner and shall not create a nuisance or disturb the peaceful enjoyment of neighbors.

9. Pets

Pets are [[Allowed with written consent and pet deposit / fee of $[[Pet Deposit/ Fee]] / Not permitted except service or assistance animals required by law]].

Tenant is responsible for all damage caused by any animal.

10. Landlord's Right of Entry

Landlord may enter the Premises:
- In case of emergency
- To make necessary repairs or improvements
- To supply necessary or agreed services
- To exhibit the Premises to prospective tenants, purchasers, lenders, or contractors
- For inspection as permitted by law

Except in emergencies, Landlord shall give Tenant at least twenty-four (24) hours' advance written notice and shall enter only during reasonable hours.

11. Maintenance and Repairs, Landlord

Landlord shall maintain the Premises in a habitable condition and comply with all applicable building and housing codes. Landlord shall keep in good working order the structural components, roof, exterior, plumbing, heating, electrical, and any appliances provided by Landlord.

12. Maintenance and Repairs, Tenant

Tenant shall:
- Keep the Premises clean, sanitary, and safe
- Properly use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances
- Dispose of all rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and sanitary manner
- Keep all plumbing fixtures clear
- Replace HVAC filters, light bulbs, and batteries in smoke/CO detectors as needed
- Promptly notify Landlord in writing of any needed repairs or dangerous conditions

Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of repairing damage caused by Tenant's, occupants', or guests' misuse, neglect, or failure to comply with this Lease.

13. Tenant's Right to Repair and Deduct

If Landlord fails to make required repairs after proper written notice from Tenant, and the failure renders the Premises uninhabitable or affects health/safety, Tenant may have the right to repair and deduct the reasonable cost from rent after following the notice and procedural requirements of S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-610 et seq. (consult current statute and/or attorney before exercising).

14. Alterations, Improvements, and Locks

Tenant shall not make alterations, additions, or improvements, or change or add locks, without Landlord's prior written consent. Any approved improvements become the property of Landlord upon termination unless otherwise agreed in writing.

15. Insurance

Landlord's insurance does not cover Tenant's personal property or liability. Tenant is strongly encouraged (and may be required) to obtain renter's insurance with liability coverage of at least $[[Renter Insurance Minimum]].

16. Assignment and Subletting

Tenant shall not assign this Lease or sublet the Premises or any part thereof without Landlord's prior written consent.

17. Default and Remedies

Tenant is in default if Tenant fails to pay rent when due, violates any term of this Lease, or abandons the Premises.

Upon default, Landlord may pursue all remedies available under South Carolina law, including termination of the tenancy, recovery of possession through summary ejectment, recovery of unpaid rent, damages, costs, and attorney's fees.

Landlord shall not engage in self-help eviction (changing locks, shutting off utilities, removing property) except as expressly authorized by law after proper notice and court process.

18. Holdover

If Tenant remains in possession after the term without Landlord's written consent, Tenant shall pay holdover rent of $[[Holdover Daily or Monthly Rate]] per day (or such other amount as permitted by law) and shall be liable for all resulting damages. Landlord may treat the tenancy as month-to-month or pursue eviction.

19. Surrender

At the end of the tenancy, Tenant shall:
- Remove all personal property and debris
- Return all keys, access devices, and garage openers
- Leave the Premises clean and in the same condition as at move-in, reasonable wear and tear excepted
- Provide written forwarding address for deposit accounting

20. Required Disclosures

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
If the Premises was built before 1978, Landlord has provided (or will provide before Tenant is obligated under the Lease) the required lead-based paint disclosure and EPA pamphlet. Tenant acknowledges receipt of the pamphlet and disclosure: [[Yes / N/A]].

Property Manager / Authorized Agent
Name and address of the person authorized to manage the Premises and receive notices:
[[Property Manager or Landlord Name and Full Address for Notices]]

Utility Responsibilities
See Section 7.

Other Required or Recommended Disclosures
[[List any additional SC-required or provided disclosures, e.g. bed bug, flood zone, etc. or "None additional"]]

21. Notices

All notices shall be in writing and delivered to:
Landlord / Agent: [[Landlord Notice Address / Email / Phone]]
Tenant: At the Premises or [[Tenant Notice Address]]

22. Governing Law and Miscellaneous

This Lease shall be governed by the laws of the State of South Carolina, including the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code Ann. Title 27, Chapter 40).

If any provision is held invalid, the remainder shall continue in full force.

No waiver of any breach shall constitute a waiver of any other breach.

This Lease, including all exhibits and addenda, constitutes the entire agreement.

23. Signatures

Landlord
Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Lease Date]]
Printed Name: [[Landlord Full Legal Name]]

Tenant
Tenant 1 Signature: _______________________________ Date: [[Lease Date]]
Printed Name: [[Tenant Full Legal Name]]

Tenant 2 Signature (if applicable): _______________________________ Date: [[Lease Date]]
Printed Name: [[Co-Tenant Full Legal Name]]

24. Exhibits

Exhibit A, Move-In Inventory and Condition Report (to be completed within 5 days of move-in)
Exhibit B, Property Rules and Regulations (if any)
Exhibit C, Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Addendum (if applicable)
[[Additional Exhibits]]

25. South Carolina references and disclaimer

Primary Legal References
- S.C. Code Ann. §§ 27-40-10 et seq., Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
- S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410, Security deposits; 30-day return and itemization
- S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-610 et seq., Landlord failure to supply heat, air conditioning, etc.; tenant remedies
- S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-710 et seq., Termination and remedies
- 42 U.S.C. § 4852d, Lead-based paint disclosure

Not Professional Advice

This South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement is a template for informational and organizational purposes. It does not constitute legal advice. South Carolina law imposes specific obligations on landlords and tenants. Parties should have this Lease reviewed by a licensed South Carolina attorney. Requirements may change; verify against current statutes. All [[Token Name]] fields must be replaced with accurate information before signing. Consult qualified professionals. Information current as of June 2026., -

> ⚠️ Template only, not legal advice. South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act governs security deposits (max 2 months' rent typical), 30-day deposit return with itemization, 24-hour notice for entry, 5-day written move-in inventory, repair-and-deduct rights after notice, lead-paint disclosure for pre-1978, and 30-day termination for month-to-month. Use this form with all [[Token Name]] placeholders completed and required addenda attached.