South Carolina remains one of the few states without statewide rent control, allowing landlords flexibility in raising rents amid 2025’s housing market pressures. Proposed bills like the South Carolina Rent Control Act (Bill 3264 and 2025-2026 updates such as Bill 3346) aim to cap increases but have not passed as of January 2026, leaving tenants reliant on lease terms and notice rules. This article outlines current laws, tenant protections, and practical advice drawn from state statutes and recent legislative efforts.
Current Legal Framework
South Carolina’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code § 27-40-10 et seq.) governs rentals, prohibiting mid-lease rent hikes unless the agreement explicitly permits them. For fixed-term leases (typically 12 months), rent stays fixed until renewal; month-to-month tenancies require 30 days’ written notice for any increase. No cap exists on increase amounts, enabling hikes tied to market rates, inflation, or property improvements.
Landlords must deliver notices in writing, detailing the new rent and effective date, often via certified mail or hand-delivery. Failure to provide proper notice allows tenants to challenge the increase in magistrate court, potentially delaying it until compliance. In 2025, average rents rose 5-8% statewide, driven by coastal demand in Charleston and Hilton Head, per real estate trackers.
Proposed Rent Control Legislation
Bill 3264, reintroduced in variations like 2025-2026 Bill 3346, seeks to limit annual increases to 7% plus the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the South region after the first year of tenancy. If enacted, it would mandate 90 days’ notice for hikes, restrict raises to once per 12 months, and exempt new builds (under 15 years) or subsidized units. Violators could face triple damages plus attorney fees, empowering tenants to sue.
As of early 2026, these bills linger in committee, facing opposition from property groups citing reduced housing supply. Advocates push for passage amid 2025’s 6.2% CPI-driven inflation, arguing it prevents displacement in low-income areas. Tenants should monitor scstatehouse.gov for updates, as session reconvenes soon.
Notice Requirements and Timing
Proper notice remains tenants’ strongest shield. Fixed-lease renewals need no statutory notice from tenants but often 30-60 days from landlords per lease clauses. Month-to-month changes demand 30 days minimum; shorter notices invalidate hikes. Week-to-week tenancies require seven days.
In practice, 2025 disputes surged in Columbia and Greenville, where rapid appreciation led to 15%+ proposed jumps. Tenants rejecting increases must vacate by the old term’s end or negotiate; non-payment of new rent risks eviction after five days’ quit notice. Document all communications to build defense records.
Tenant Rights and Remedies
Tenants enjoy “quiet enjoyment” rights, barring retaliatory hikes post-maintenance requests or organizing. Increases cannot discriminate based on protected classes (race, disability, family status) under Fair Housing Act overlaps. If rent exceeds habitability standards (e.g., no heat), tenants may withhold via “repair and deduct” up to $100 or two months’ rent.
Courts favor written leases; verbal agreements weaken tenant positions. Legal aid via South Carolina Legal Services offers free consultations for disputes. In 2025, successful challenges recovered overpayments averaging $2,000 per case.
Landlord Perspectives and Market Pressures
Landlords argue uncapped increases cover rising costs: property taxes up 4% in 2025, insurance premiums 20% higher post-hurricanes. Coastal markets like Myrtle Beach saw 10% hikes, inland areas 4-6%. Best practices include market surveys justifying raises and offering renewal incentives.
Bill 3232 proposes streamlined evictions for non-payment, balancing tenant protections with owner rights. Investors eye 2026 for stabilization if legislation stalls.
Practical Tips for Tenants
Review leases annually for auto-renewal clauses triggering hikes. Negotiate caps or longer terms for stability. Track local rents via Zillow or Apartments.com to contest unreasonable jumps. Budget 30% of income for housing; seek subsidies like Section 8 if eligible.
Build emergency funds for moves—average relocation costs $1,500. Join tenant unions in high-rent cities for collective bargaining power. Report illegal hikes to housing authorities; collective complaints spur enforcement.
Future Outlook
With no rent control in 2025, South Carolina mirrors 40+ states prioritizing markets. Federal inflation cooling may ease 2026 pressures, but coastal growth sustains demand. Passed bills could reshape affordability; until then, informed tenancy proves key.
SOURCES:
- https://www.hemlane.com/resources/south-carolina-rent-control-laws
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/rent-increase-laws-regulations-south-carolina
