Reference: the security deposit rule in each state and covered city. To settle a deposit, use the free Deposit settlement tool.

Reference

Security deposit rules in South Carolina

South Carolina: return the deposit within 30 calendar days of the latest of the end of the tenancy, move-out and the tenant's written demand. Interest: no. Penalty if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed): 3x the amount withheld. (S.C. Code 27-40-410)

The rule in plain words

Return by: 30 calendar days after the latest of the end of the tenancy, move-out and the tenant's written demand.
Deductions allowed: unpaid rent, damage beyond wear. Normal wear and tear never. Depreciation: none.
Interest: No.
Penalty: 3x the amount withheld if the rule is not followed (no bad faith needed).

The rule text

Any deduction from the security/rental deposit must be itemized by the landlord in a written notice to the tenant together with the amount due, if any, within thirty days after termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession and demand by the tenant, whichever is later.

S.C. Code 27-40-410(a). Source: S.C. Code tit. 27 ch. 40 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act), sec. 27-40-410, read 2026-10-09.

Research notes (1)

How we sourced this rule: where the text was read and what we could not check.

Last amended 1994 Act No. 498.

Worked example

A $2,000.00 deposit; the tenant moved in on June 1, 2023 and out on September 30, 2026. Intended deductions: $300.00 unpaid rent, $150.00 cleaning and a $1,200.00 carpet that was 5 years old.

Return by: Not started
Runs from the latest of the end of the tenancy, move-out and the tenant's written demand.
Allowed deductions: $1,500.00
Of $1,650.00 claimed.
Refund due: $500.00
Interest $0.00.

The draft statement for this example

DRAFT ITEMIZED STATEMENT OF SECURITY DEPOSIT
Rule: S.C. Code 27-40-410 (South Carolina)
Move-out date: September 30, 2026

Security deposit held                            $2,000.00
Deduction: Unpaid rent                            -$300.00
Deduction: Carpet                               -$1,200.00
Total deductions                                -$1,500.00
Refund due to tenant                               $500.00
Return by                                   Not started: see the deadline note.

Notes:
- Itemized under S.C. Code 27-40-410.

Settle a deposit in South Carolina

required

Where and how much

The state sets the rules; a covered city adds its own.

StateCityAdds the city's ordinance where we cover one.Deposit heldMonthly rentChecks the deposit cap.Units in the buildingInterest depends on it in IL, NY.

Dates

The dates start the clock.

Tenant moved outTenancy startedFor interest and item ages.Lease endedIf not the move-out day.Forwarding address receivedStarts or holds the clock in CT, IA, MN, RI, SD, TX, WY.Tenant's written demand receivedStarts the clock in AZ, KS, MD, MS, OK, SC, UT.New tenant moved inCan start the clock in WI, WV.Notice of claim sentFlorida: the day you sent the notice of your claimReturn period in the lease (days)The lease may set it in CO, ID, ME.

The tenant gave the notice the statute requiresChanges the deadline in AK.Repairs exceed the deposit and need a contractorCan extend the deadline in VA, WV.

Check as of another date

Check as ofDefaults to today. Use it to see where a past or future date stands.

Deductions

What you intend to keep; leave it empty to return everything. An item's age depreciates carpet, paint, blinds and appliances.

Deduction 1

CategoryAmountItem age or install dateNormal wear and tearOrdinary aging: never deductible.

Up to 9 lines.

Documentation

Some states require receipts or dated photos before a deduction stands.

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Computes and cites the published rule; it is not legal advice. You sign the statement: check the statute, your lease and any local ordinance first. Read the disclaimer.

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