South Carolina Rental Fee Rules
South Carolina rules on rental fees for renters and landlords, with the statute or official page behind each answer. Last verified: 2026-10-22.
Short answer: No statute - no cap or refund rule for application/screening fees in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. S.C. Code Title 27, Ch. 40
The rules in South Carolina
| Application / screening fees | No statute - no cap or refund rule for application/screening fees in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Federal FCRA adverse-action rules still apply to screening. Source: S.C. Code Title 27, Ch. 40 |
|---|---|
| Other rental fees | No statute specifically limiting move-in, convenience or other rental fees; general unconscionability doctrine (27-40-230) and prohibited lease provisions (27-40-330) apply. Source: S.C. Code 27-40-230; 27-40-330 |
Related questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a rental application fee?
- What rental fees are illegal (junk fees)?
South Carolina vs. neighboring states
| State | Application / screening fees | Other rental fees |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina | No statute - no cap or refund rule for application/screening fees in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. S.C. Code Title 27, Ch. 40 | No statute specifically limiting move-in, convenience or other rental fees; general unconscionability doctrine (27-40-230) and prohibited lease provisions (27-40-330) apply. S.C. Code 27-40-230; 27-40-330 |
| Georgia | Not verified yet | Not verified yet |
| North Carolina | No statute. N.C. Gen. Stat. chapter 42 has no cap or refund rule for rental application or screening fees. N.C. Gen. Stat. ch. 42 (no application-fee section) | Fees tied to late payment and eviction are tightly limited. Late fee: only once rent is 5+ days late, max the greater of $15 or 5% of monthly rent (weekly: $4 or 5%), once per late payment. Only one administrative eviction fee may be charged per case, and only under a written lease: complaint-filing fee (greater of $15 or 5% of rent, only if the tenant cures and the case is dismissed), court-appearance fee (10% of rent), or second-trial fee (12% of rent). Any other administrative eviction fee is void. Recoverable out-of-pocket costs are limited to court filing fees, service costs, and attorney fees (capped at 15% in most cases). Renter's insurance: the tenant cannot be required to use a designated carrier. Force-placed coverage: actual cost plus at most $50 per year, only if the tenant fails to show proof within 3 business days. For subsidized rent, fees are figured on the tenant's share only. N.C. Gen. Stat. § 42-46 |
More South Carolina rental law
- South Carolina Security Deposit Law
- South Carolina Eviction Laws
- South Carolina Notice to Vacate Rules
- Landlord Entry Rules in South Carolina
- South Carolina Repairs & Tenant Remedies
- South Carolina Rent Increase & Late Fee Laws
- Breaking a Lease in South Carolina
- Squatters' Rights in South Carolina
- South Carolina Section 8, Records & Right to Counsel
- South Carolina Mold, Pests, Heat & AC Rules
- South Carolina Privacy, Guests & Animal Rules
- South Carolina Landlord Selling the House
- South Carolina Lockouts, Utility Shutoffs & Retaliation
- South Carolina Subletting, Lease Endings & Tenant Death
- All South Carolina landlord-tenant rules
- Free legal help in South Carolina
Compare rental fees in all 50 states and DC →
South Carolina Rental Fee Rules FAQ
Is there a limit on rental application fees in South Carolina?
No statute - no cap or refund rule for application/screening fees in the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. (S.C. Code Title 27, Ch. 40)
What rental fees are banned or limited in South Carolina?
No statute specifically limiting move-in, convenience or other rental fees; general unconscionability doctrine (27-40-230) and prohibited lease provisions (27-40-330) apply. (S.C. Code 27-40-230; 27-40-330)
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.