South Carolina Security Deposit Return Letter

Date: [[Letter Date]]
Landlord / Property Manager Name: [[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
Landlord Address: [[Landlord Mailing Address]]
Tenant Name(s): [[Former Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]
Tenant Forwarding Address: [[Tenant Forwarding Address, Required]]
Property Address (Premises): [[Property Full Street Address]], [[City]], South Carolina [[ZIP Code]]
Lease Termination / Move-Out Date: [[Move-Out Date]]
Date Keys Returned / Possession Surrendered: [[Key Return / Vacate Date]]

Re: Return of Security Deposit for the above-referenced Premises

Dear [[Tenant Full Legal Name(s)]]:

Pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410, this letter serves as written notice of the disposition of your security deposit in connection with the tenancy at the Premises identified above.

1. Security Deposit Accounting

Original Security Deposit Amount: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]
Prepaid Rent (if any) being returned: $[[Prepaid Rent Amount or 0]]
Total Amount Subject to Accounting: $[[Total]]

2. Itemized Statement of Deductions

The following deductions have been made from your security deposit. Each deduction is for accrued rent or for damages suffered by reason of your noncompliance with S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-510 (tenant obligations to maintain the dwelling unit). Deductions are limited to amounts reasonably necessary to remedy defaults.

Supporting Documentation
Copies of receipts, invoices, or estimates for each deduction exceeding $125.00 (or the current statutory threshold) are attached to this letter:
- [[Receipt 1 Description, date, vendor, amount]]
- [[Receipt 2 Description]]
- [[Photos / Inspection Report Reference]]

If any deduction is an estimate, the actual cost will be reconciled and any over-deduction refunded promptly upon receipt of final invoices.

3. Balance Due to Tenant

Security Deposit: $[[Original Amount]]
Less Total Deductions: ($[[Total Deductions]])
Net Amount Due to You: $[[Net Refund Amount]]

A check in the amount of $[[Net Refund Amount]], payable to [[Payee Name(s)]], is enclosed with this letter / has been mailed separately on [[Mail Date]].

4. Forwarding Address Requirement

Under South Carolina law, the 30-day period for return of the deposit and statement begins upon the later of termination of the tenancy, delivery of possession, or your provision of a written forwarding address. Your forwarding address as provided is listed above. If your address has changed, please notify us immediately in writing.

5. Permissible Deductions Under South Carolina Law

Landlord may lawfully withhold only for:
- Accrued but unpaid rent
- Cleaning costs necessary to return the Premises to the condition at the start of the tenancy, excluding ordinary wear and tear
- Repair of physical damage to the Premises caused by Tenant, occupants, or guests that exceeds ordinary wear and tear

Landlord may not withhold for ordinary cleaning, painting, or carpet replacement that constitutes normal wear and tear from ordinary use.

6. Failure to Return Deposit, Tenant's Remedies

If Landlord fails to return the deposit with the required itemized statement within thirty (30) days after the deadline is triggered, Landlord forfeits the right to make any deductions and may be liable to Tenant for:
- Three (3) times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus
- Reasonable attorney's fees and costs

This letter and the attached documentation are provided in full compliance with S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410.

7. Move-In / Move-Out Condition Notes

A copy of the original Move-In Inventory and Condition Report (completed within 5 days of move-in) and the final Move-Out Inspection Report are attached for your reference. You had the opportunity to participate in the final inspection.

8. Contact for Questions or Disputes

If you have questions or believe any deduction is incorrect, please contact us in writing within [[X days, e.g. 10]] at the address or email below so we may address your concerns promptly.

Landlord / Agent Contact:
[[Name]]
[[Phone]]
[[Email]]
[[Mailing Address]]

9. Acknowledgment of Receipt of Keys and Surrender

Landlord acknowledges receipt of all keys, access devices, and possession of the Premises as of [[Key Return Date]].

10. South Carolina statutory references

Governing Statute
S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410, Security deposits; prepaid rent. Requires return of deposit less lawful deductions with itemized written statement within 30 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession and demand by tenant (whichever is later). Tenant must provide forwarding address in writing.

Related Provisions
- S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-510, Tenant obligations to maintain dwelling unit
- S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-710 et seq., Termination and landlord remedies

11. Detailed Explanation of Deductions and Normal Wear and Tear

South Carolina law prohibits charging tenants for "ordinary wear and tear." The following are illustrative examples (not exhaustive):

Ordinary Wear and Tear (Landlord's Responsibility)
- Faded paint or carpet from normal sunlight and use
- Minor scuffs on walls from furniture movement
- Worn but functional door hardware from normal operation
- Slight discoloration of grout or fixtures from ordinary use

Damage Beyond Normal Wear (Tenant Responsibility, Deductible)
- Holes in walls from picture hanging or abuse
- Stains, burns, or tears in carpet or flooring from pets, spills, or neglect
- Broken windows, doors, or appliances caused by misuse
- Excessive dirt, pet hair, or odors requiring professional remediation beyond standard turnover cleaning

Landlord has applied these standards in good faith when calculating the deductions listed above.

12. Pre-Move-Out Inspection and Tenant's Right to Cure

Landlord offered Tenant the opportunity to participate in a pre-move-out inspection on [[Pre-Move-Out Inspection Date Offered]] at [[Time]].

Tenant [[participated / declined / did not respond]].

During the inspection, the following items requiring attention were noted and discussed: [[List or "None beyond normal turnover"]].

Tenant was given the opportunity to remedy certain conditions prior to vacating. Items that were remedied by Tenant prior to surrender are not included in the deductions above.

13. Calculation Worksheet (for transparency)

Deposit received at move-in: $[[Original Security Deposit Amount]]
Interest (if any accrued under lease): $[[Interest Amount or 0]]
Subtotal: $[[Subtotal]]

Deductions (detailed in Section 2): ($[[Total Deductions]])
Final amount returned or due: $[[Net Refund Amount]]

If the net amount is due to Landlord (deductions exceed deposit), Tenant is invoiced separately for the balance of $[[Balance Owed by Tenant]].

14. Additional Legal Protections and Tenant Remedies

If you believe the deductions are improper, you may:
1. Contact Landlord in writing within a reasonable time to request clarification or reconsideration, providing any supporting evidence.
2. File a claim in the appropriate South Carolina Magistrate's Court (small claims) for recovery of the deposit.
3. If successful and the landlord wrongfully withheld funds, you may be entitled to three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410(b).

Landlord maintains all records related to the tenancy, including the original lease, move-in report, payment history, inspection reports, photos, and receipts, for a minimum of [[X years]].

15. South Carolina statutory references

Governing Statute
S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410, Security deposits; prepaid rent. Requires return of deposit less lawful deductions with itemized written statement within 30 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession and demand by tenant (whichever is later). Tenant must provide forwarding address in writing.

Related Provisions
- S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-510, Tenant obligations to maintain dwelling unit
- S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-710 et seq., Termination and landlord remedies
- S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-610 et seq., Landlord's failure to deliver possession or maintain premises (tenant remedies)

16. Disclaimer

This South Carolina Security Deposit Return Letter is a template provided for informational and organizational purposes. It is not legal advice. Every tenancy is fact-specific. The amounts, dates, and descriptions in this letter must be accurate and supported by documentation. Laws may be updated; verify current requirements. Replace all [[Token Name]] fields with actual information before sending. Consult a licensed South Carolina attorney or property management professional if you have questions about your rights or obligations.

Sincerely,

_______________________________
[[Landlord or Property Manager Full Name]]
[[Title, e.g. Property Manager / Owner]]
Date: [[Letter Date]]

Enclosures:
- Check for $[[Net Refund Amount]]
- Itemized deduction worksheet
- Receipts / invoices / photos
- Move-In and Move-Out inspection reports (copies)
- Pre-move-out inspection notes (if applicable)
- Any other documentation

Certificate of Mailing / Delivery (optional)
This letter and enclosures were [[mailed / hand-delivered / emailed with read receipt]] to Tenant at the forwarding address on [[Delivery Date]].

Retained Copies
Landlord retains a complete copy of this letter, the check (front and back when cleared), and all supporting documentation in the tenant file., -

> ⚠️ Template only, not legal advice. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410, the landlord must return the security deposit (less lawful deductions) together with an itemized written statement within 30 days after lease termination and tenant vacating (and tenant providing forwarding address). Failure to comply may result in forfeiture of deductions and liability for three times the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney's fees. All [[Token Name]] fields and supporting documents must be accurate. This letter includes detailed examples of normal wear vs. damage, calculation worksheet, and tenant remedies for full compliance and transparency.