Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in South Carolina

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What South Carolina law says

Itemized deductions	Written notice itemizing the amounts withheld (accrued rent and damages from tenant noncompliance), delivered with any balance due within the 30 days. Source: S.C. Code § 27-40-410(a)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Not defined by statute. The landlord may withhold from the deposit only accrued rent and damages suffered because of the tenant's failure to meet statutory tenant duties (keeping the unit reasonably safe and clean, not deliberately or negligently damaging the premises, complying with the lease, etc.), itemized in a written notice with any balance within 30 days after termination and delivery of possession and the tenant's demand, whichever is later. Wrongful withholding: tenant may recover three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees. The tenant must give a forwarding address in writing. No statutory rule on painting or carpet; ordinary deterioration from normal use is generally not tenant noncompliance. Source: S.C. Code §§ 27-40-410(a)-(b), 27-40-510

Itemized deductions

Written notice itemizing the amounts withheld (accrued rent and damages from tenant noncompliance), delivered with any balance due within the 30 days.

Source: S.C. Code § 27-40-410(a)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Not defined by statute. The landlord may withhold from the deposit only accrued rent and damages suffered because of the tenant's failure to meet statutory tenant duties (keeping the unit reasonably safe and clean, not deliberately or negligently damaging the premises, complying with the lease, etc.), itemized in a written notice with any balance within 30 days after termination and delivery of possession and the tenant's demand, whichever is later.

Wrongful withholding: tenant may recover three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees. The tenant must give a forwarding address in writing. No statutory rule on painting or carpet; ordinary deterioration from normal use is generally not tenant noncompliance.

Source: S.C. Code §§ 27-40-410(a)-(b), 27-40-510

Fill it in

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · South Carolina tenant rights

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.