Landlord Repair Timelines: South Carolina Renters’ Rights

If you're renting a home or apartment in South Carolina, understanding your rights around repairs and maintenance is crucial. Delays in fixing crucial issues can affect your comfort, safety, and even your health. This guide breaks down South Carolina law so you’ll know what’s reasonable, how to ask for repairs, and what to do next if your landlord doesn’t act in time.

How Quickly Must a Landlord Make Repairs in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s primary law for renters and landlords is the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act^[1]. This law requires landlords to maintain "fit and habitable" rental properties. But how long can they take to fix something once you notify them?

• Emergency Repairs (heat, water, vital plumbing, etc.): Landlords must address "essential services" as soon as possible. There is no strict hour-limit in the law, but it should be done promptly to protect health and safety.
• Non-Emergency Repairs: Landlords have up to 14 days after written notice to make most general repairs.

If repairs aren’t made in this timeframe, renters have several options as outlined in the law.

Types of Issues Landlords Must Address

• Broken heating, air conditioning, or hot water
• Leaking roofs or plumbing
• Electrical hazards
• Pest infestations
• Unsafe stairs or entryways
• Other violations of safety and livability standards

Landlords are not responsible for issues caused by tenant negligence or damage, and minor repairs may sometimes fall to tenants according to their lease.

How to Request Repairs in South Carolina

1. Notify Your Landlord in Writing

Always notify your landlord in writing about any repair needs. Email, letter, or text can count – but a letter is most official. Be sure to describe the problem, request prompt repairs, and keep a copy for your records.

• Form to Use: Notice of Repairs Needed (no prescribed government form, but sample templates are available from the South Carolina Landlord and Tenant Act guidance)^[1].

Example: If your heater breaks in winter, send a letter or email as soon as possible explaining the issue and requesting prompt repair.

2. What If the Landlord Does Not Respond?

If the landlord fails to make repairs within 14 days (or sooner for emergencies), you may be able to:

• Terminate your lease with written notice
• Request a rent reduction (for loss of essential service)
• Seek repairs and deduct reasonable costs from your rent (only in very limited situations – see SC law)

How to File a Tenant Complaint in South Carolina

If your landlord is still not responding, you can file a complaint with local code enforcement or, in severe cases, take your case to the appropriate court. South Carolina does not have a dedicated "Landlord-Tenant Board," but eviction, repair, and habitability cases are heard in Magistrate's Court for your county^[2].

• Form to Use: Complaint (Magistrate's Court) (SCCA/720 Civil Complaint Form)
• When to Use: If your landlord still will not address unsafe or unlivable conditions after proper notice.
• How to Use: Fill out the form, file it at your local Magistrate’s Court, serve the landlord, and attend a hearing.

Court staff can help with filing and process questions, but cannot give legal advice.

Summary

South Carolina law gives landlords up to 14 days to fix most repair issues after notice, and sooner for emergencies. If repairs aren't made, renters have clear steps to follow, including taking legal action when needed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Repairs in South Carolina

1. How long does a landlord have to fix heat or air conditioning?
   For essential services like heat or air conditioning, repairs should happen as soon as possible. There is no set hour limit, but delays that risk health or safety are not acceptable.
2. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t fix something?
   South Carolina law does not generally allow rent withholding. Instead, contact code enforcement or use the court process if needed.
3. What if repairs are urgent and my landlord won’t respond?
   Contact local housing code enforcement or file a complaint in Magistrate’s Court if essential services are not restored.
4. Is there a form I need to complete to request repairs?
   There is no official state repair request form, but put your request in writing and keep a copy. For legal complaints, use the SCCA/720 Civil Complaint Form.
5. Do I have to move out if repairs aren’t made?
   Not always. In some cases, you may end your lease with proper notice or ask the court for help while staying in your home.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• South Carolina Magistrate’s Court – Handles landlord-tenant legal disputes
• South Carolina Legal Services – Free or low-cost legal help for eligible renters
• South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Full text of the state’s landlord-tenant law
• SC Legal Aid Housing Resources – Tenant guides and contact info
• For city or county code enforcement, contact your local government office

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1. South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410 and § 27-40-610
2. South Carolina Magistrate’s Court (Official Site)

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