South Carolina Rental Housing Health Code Requirements

Renters in South Carolina deserve a safe and healthy home. Knowing the state's minimum housing health codes helps you recognize when your rental doesn't meet legal standards, understand your rights, and take action if repairs aren't made. This guide explains the key health and safety requirements, your options if standards are not met, and official resources to help you protect your well-being.

Understanding Minimum Housing Health Codes in South Carolina

South Carolina requires rental properties to maintain certain health and safety standards to protect residents. These are set by local housing codes, state law, and the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Both landlords and tenants share responsibilities to keep rental homes safe and fit to live in.

Main Health & Safety Standards for Rentals

Most South Carolina municipalities enforce local codes, but statewide requirements under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act apply to most rental situations.^[1] Landlords are legally required to:

• Provide safe, working electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning systems.
• Maintain the structural integrity of floors, walls, roofs, and foundations.
• Ensure supplied appliances and facilities (like stoves, refrigerators, smoke detectors) work and are kept in good repair.
• Keep common areas clean and safe.
• Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times.
• Control infestations such as rats, roaches, and mold (except when caused by renters’ behavior).

Tenants are responsible for keeping their unit clean, disposing of trash properly, and not deliberately or negligently damaging the property.

Examples of Common Code Violations

• No working heat in winter
• Unsafe wiring or exposed electrical outlets
• Broken windows that won’t close
• Persistent mold or water leaks
• Broken locks or missing smoke detectors
• Infestations of pests or vermin

What to Do If Your Rental Doesn’t Meet Health Codes

If you believe your home is not up to South Carolina’s minimum health standards, these steps can help:

• Document the issue: Take photos, keep notes, and gather evidence.
• Notify the landlord in writing: Clearly describe the problem and request repairs. Keep a copy for your records.
• Allow reasonable time for repair: The landlord generally has 14 days to fix most problems after receiving written notice. Urgent hazards may require faster response.

If repairs are not made, you can file a complaint with your local housing code or health department in South Carolina.^[2]

Key Official Form: Housing Code Complaint Submission

• Form Name: South Carolina DHEC Housing Code Complaint
• When to Use: When your landlord fails to resolve major health or safety issues and written notice has not worked. For example, if your heating system doesn't work and your landlord has not responded for two weeks, you may submit this complaint.
• How to Use: File online or contact your local DHEC health office. Detailed instructions available at the official SCDHEC complaint page.

The Tribunal for Residential Tenancy Disputes

If a dispute cannot be resolved through local authorities, renters may seek recourse in the South Carolina Magistrate Court. This court handles landlord-tenant cases, including claims for unaddressed health hazards.^[3]

Relevant Tenancy Legislation

• South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 27, Chapter 40) – provides health and safety standards, tenant rights, and legal obligations for both parties.

Common Questions About Rental Health Codes in South Carolina

1. What should I do if my landlord won't fix a major safety problem?
   You should promptly report the issue in writing and allow your landlord up to 14 days to resolve it. If the problem is not fixed, document your efforts and file a formal complaint with your local health or housing code authority.
2. Is my landlord required to provide heating and hot water?
   Yes, South Carolina law requires landlords to provide and maintain adequate heating equipment and hot water as part of a safe and habitable rental.
3. Can I withhold rent if repairs are not made?
   No, you should not withhold rent unless authorized by a court. You must follow the process outlined in state law and may need to file a claim in Magistrate Court if the issue continues.
4. Where can I get official help reporting health code violations?
   You can contact your local Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) office or submit a complaint online via the SCDHEC complaint portal.

Conclusion: Key Renter Takeaways

• South Carolina law protects renters by setting minimum health and safety standards for all rentals.
• If your rental is unsafe, notify your landlord in writing and file a complaint if needed.
• Use resources like the DHEC or Magistrate Court for effective dispute resolution.

Understanding and using your rights can ensure a safer, healthier home for you and your family.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• SCDHEC Housing Code Complaints – file complaints or find a local office
• South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – full state legislation
• South Carolina Magistrate Court – handle disputes between renters and landlords
• South Carolina Legal Services Self-Help Resources – tenant information and assistance

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1. See: South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. See: SCDHEC Housing Code Complaints
3. See: SC Magistrate Court Information

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