South Carolina Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free South Carolina security deposit demand letter 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
| Deposit return deadline | 30 days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession and demand by the tenant. Source: S.C. Code § 27-40-410(a) |
|---|---|
| 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) |
| Penalty for withholding | Three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees. Source: S.C. Code § 27-40-410(b) |
| 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. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under S.C. Code § 27-40-410(a), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by S.C. Code § 27-40-410(b).
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.