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Eviction in Lexington County (Lexington), South Carolina

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

Quick facts: eviction in Lexington County (Lexington)

Eviction court
Lexington County Magistrate Court Services — Magistrate court (ejectment) Court page
Filing fee
$40 to file an ejectment (eviction) action ($20 filing fee + $10 service fee + $10 surcharge under S.C. Code § 22-3-340; a $5 mailing fee is added only when required by § 27-37-30); $10 for the writ of ejectment South Carolina Mandatory Schedule of Civil Fees to be Collected in Magistrates Court (Attachment K), as posted by Lexington County Magistrate Court Services
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
HUD Fair Market Rent, 2-bedroom (FY2026)
$1,276/month HUD
Renter households
27,563 (23% of households) Census ACS 2020–2024

Last verified against official sources: 2026-10-23

Where eviction cases are filed in Lexington County (Lexington)

Eviction cases in Lexington County (Lexington) are heard by the Lexington County Magistrate Court Services (Magistrate court (ejectment)).

Court eviction page · Search court records · Self-help center

File the ejectment action in the magistrate district office where the tenant lives; the county posts a location lookup map and an Evictions guide. The court issues an order (rule) to vacate or show cause, which is served on the tenant.

How much it costs to file an eviction in Lexington County (Lexington)

$40 to file an ejectment (eviction) action ($20 filing fee + $10 service fee + $10 surcharge under S.C. Code § 22-3-340; a $5 mailing fee is added only when required by § 27-37-30); $10 for the writ of ejectment

Magistrate court civil fees are set by state law and apply in every county. The $10 writ fee covers service of the writ and is charged only if the writ is needed. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the magistrate's office about filing without prepaying costs. Lexington County's own Evictions guide also states the $40 filing fee and the $10 writ fee.

Source: South Carolina Mandatory Schedule of Civil Fees to be Collected in Magistrates Court (Attachment K), as posted by Lexington County Magistrate Court Services

How eviction cases work locally

Writ deadline and set-outAfter a ruling for the landlord, the writ of ejectment must be requested and the $10 fee paid within five working days of the hearing, or the landlord must start over. The Sheriff's Department contacts the landlord about the set-out; deputies keep the peace, and the landlord must supply labor to remove belongings.
Source: Official source

The South Carolina eviction process

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

  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 Lexington County (Lexington)

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rents for the Columbia, SC HUD Metro FMR Area (the rent levels used for Section 8 vouchers):

Studio$1,032
1 bedroom$1,164
2 bedrooms$1,276
3 bedrooms$1,623
4 bedrooms$1,911

Source: HUD Fair Market Rent documentation

Median gross rent in Lexington County (Lexington): $1,178/month (Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates).

County tenant ordinance

No county-level landlord-tenant ordinance identified; city rules (if any) are covered on city pages.

Eviction help in Lexington County (Lexington)

Free legal help

Other South Carolina counties

Related

Frequently asked questions

Where do I file an eviction in Lexington County (Lexington)?
Eviction cases in Lexington County (Lexington) are filed with the Lexington County Magistrate Court Services.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in Lexington County (Lexington)?
$40 to file an ejectment (eviction) action ($20 filing fee + $10 service fee + $10 surcharge under S.C. Code § 22-3-340; a $5 mailing fee is added only when required by § 27-37-30); $10 for the writ of ejectment.
Where can I get help with an eviction in Lexington County (Lexington)?
South Carolina Legal Services.
What is the fair market rent in Lexington County (Lexington)?
HUD's FY2026 Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom unit is $1,276 per month (1-bedroom: $1,164).

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.