The Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is located in the South Carolina Code of Laws Title 27, Chapter 40. According to § 27-40-410, the security deposit must be returned within 30 days of the tenant leaving the property if the landlord has a forwarding address. If the landlord does not have a forwarding address, the landlord may not be required to provide the tenant with their security deposit. The landlord has the legal right to withhold some of the funds of the security deposit to repair the rental property or for nonpayment of rent. If this occurs, the landlord must provide the renter with an itemized statement along with the remainder of the security deposit.
Landlords and property managers should make it a point to understand the Landlord Tenant Act and know which disclosures, such as the lead paint disclosure, they must provide when renting out real estate to a prospective tenant. Understanding the state laws as well as what you can do if the tenant fails to uphold their responsibilities in the residential lease agreement can help you know when to seek legal advice.
Under § 27-40-770, if a tenant or landlord wishes to provide a written notice for lease termination, it must provide a 30-days' notice. Including the termination date in the written notice is key.