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Eviction in Dorchester County, South Carolina

Where eviction cases are filed in Dorchester County, what it costs, local rent levels and where to get help — with the official court, county and HUD sources.

Quick facts: eviction in Dorchester County

Eviction court
Dorchester County Magistrate Court — Magistrate court
Notice before filing (state law)
If rent is unpaid and not paid within 5 days of the due date, the landlord may terminate after written notice of nonpayment and intent to terminate. If the written lease contains the statutory notice language in bold, conspicuous type, the lease itself serves as the notice. South Carolina rules
Renter households
15,458 (24% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-28

Where eviction cases are filed in Dorchester County

Eviction cases in Dorchester County are heard by the Dorchester County Magistrate Court (Magistrate court).

Evictions are handled in magistrate court.

The South Carolina eviction process

South Carolina state law sets the notice periods and court steps everywhere in the state, including Dorchester County:

  1. Notice: 5-day nonpayment notice (or conspicuous lease clause) / 14-day breach notice / 30-day month-to-month notice (§§ 27-40-710, 27-40-770, 27-37-10)
  2. Landlord applies to the magistrate; magistrate issues a Rule to Vacate or Show Cause (§ 27-37-20)
  3. Tenant has 10 days after service to vacate or request a hearing/show cause (§ 27-37-20); posting-and-mail service allowed after two failed personal attempts (§ 27-37-30)
  4. If tenant does not respond, warrant/writ of ejectment issues (§ 27-37-40); if contested, hearing (jury on demand) (§ 27-37-60)
  5. If the tenant raises defenses, rent must be paid into court (§ 27-40-790)
  6. Writ of ejectment executed by sheriff/constable; occupants given 24 hours to leave before forcible removal (§ 27-37-160)
  7. Appeal to circuit court stays ejectment only if the tenant files an affidavit to pay rent as it comes due (§ 27-40-800, rewritten by 2026 Act 252, eff. June 30, 2026)

Full South Carolina eviction rules with sources →

Rent in Dorchester County

Median gross rent in Dorchester County: $1,463/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; eviction procedure follows state law. City rules, if any, are on city pages.

Eviction help in Dorchester County

Free legal help

Tenant and eviction lawyers in Dorchester County

Section 8 and public housing in Dorchester County

All South Carolina housing authorities →

Other South Carolina counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Dorchester County?
Eviction cases in Dorchester County are filed with the Dorchester County Magistrate Court.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Dorchester County?
South Carolina Legal Services.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.