South Carolina Lease Termination Letter (Ending a Lease Early)

A free South Carolina lease termination letter (ending a lease early) that follows South Carolina law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.

What South Carolina law says

Ending a lease: military, medical, death	No state-law early termination right for military (beyond federal SCRA), medical/disability, seniors moving to care, or tenant death found in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Source: S.C. Code Title 27, Ch. 40
Ending a lease: domestic violence	Since May 18, 2026, a 'protected tenant' (victim of domestic abuse/violence where victim and perpetrator are both leaseholders on the same property, documented by a restraining order, order of protection, or conviction) may end future lease obligations by written notice within 60 days of the incident, with the documentation attached. Termination is effective on the date in the notice, at least 30 days after the landlord receives it (earlier if landlord agrees in writing). No early-termination penalties or fees, but the tenant owes rent through the effective date and any damage; the deposit need not be returned until the end of the lease. Co-tenants remain liable; if the perpetrator is the sole remaining tenant, the landlord may terminate on 5 days' written notice. Retaliation is barred. Source: S.C. Code 27-40-350; 27-40-210(19)-(20) (2026 Act No. 184, H.3569)

Ending a lease: military, medical, death

No state-law early termination right for military (beyond federal SCRA), medical/disability, seniors moving to care, or tenant death found in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.

Source: S.C. Code Title 27, Ch. 40

Ending a lease: domestic violence

Since May 18, 2026, a 'protected tenant' (victim of domestic abuse/violence where victim and perpetrator are both leaseholders on the same property, documented by a restraining order, order of protection, or conviction) may end future lease obligations by written notice within 60 days of the incident, with the documentation attached. Termination is effective on the date in the notice, at least 30 days after the landlord receives it (earlier if landlord agrees in writing). No early-termination penalties or fees, but the tenant owes rent through the effective date and any damage; the deposit need not be returned until the end of the lease. Co-tenants remain liable; if the perpetrator is the sole remaining tenant, the landlord may terminate on 5 days' written notice. Retaliation is barred.

Source: S.C. Code 27-40-350; 27-40-210(19)-(20) (2026 Act No. 184, H.3569)

Fill in your letter

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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]

From: [your name], tenant at [rental address]

I am ending my lease early under S.C. Code Title 27, Ch. 40 for this reason: [the reason the law allows, e.g. active military orders].

I have attached [the documents the law requires, e.g. a copy of the orders].

My termination date is [termination date], and I will return the keys by [key return date].

Please return my security deposit, less only lawful deductions, to [forwarding address].

Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________

How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.

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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.