South Carolina Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 10, 2024 by Jessica Menefee

Does South Carolina Have Rent Control Laws?

South Carolina does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords may ask for rent. Additionally, state law prohibits local governments from establishing rent control laws [1].

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When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in South Carolina?

Landlords in South Carolina can raise the rent at any time, as long as they comply with the following:

• Wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease)
• Give reasonable notice
• Aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in South Carolina?

Landlords in South Carolina may not raise the rent if:

• It is during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement).
• It is done in response to a protected tenant action, such as filing a complaint. This is known as “retaliation” [2].
• The increase is applied in a way that discriminates against one of the protected classes specified in the Fair Housing Act.

How Often Can Rent Be Increased in South Carolina?

Landlords in South Carolina can increase the rent as often as they wish, as long as reasonable notice is provided each time.

How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in South Carolina?

Unlike many other states, South Carolina law does not require a specific notice period before raising rent.

Even though state law has no minimum notice period, South Carolina law still requires that landlords act in good faith, [4] meaning they must give the tenant reasonable notice when increasing rent. In many states, one month is considered reasonable.

How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, landlords can raise the rent by any amount that they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.