South Carolina Rental Properties: Drinking Water Rights for Renters

Clean, safe drinking water is essential for every South Carolina renter. State law regulates landlord responsibilities to ensure rental units provide potable water meeting health and safety standards. If you’re renting and have concerns about water quality, understanding your legal protections is the first step.

What Does South Carolina Law Require for Safe Drinking Water?

South Carolina's health and housing laws require that landlords provide a rental unit with running water, including hot and cold water, and ensure that the water is safe for drinking and daily use. Standards follow both state and federal rules set by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for public water systems.

• Public water systems: Most city or suburban rentals are connected to a regulated supply, meeting federal and state safety standards (like limits on lead, bacteria, and chemicals).
• Private wells: If your rental is supplied by a well, the landlord must ensure the water is safe and the well system is maintained as fit for human consumption.

If the water supply becomes unsafe, landlords are required by South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 27-40-440 to address the problem promptly.

Common Drinking Water Issues in Rentals

Many renters worry about:

• Persistent cloudy or foul-smelling tap water
• Reports of lead contamination or chemical spills
• No running water at all
• Water shut-offs due to plumbing neglect

If you notice any of these issues, it’s your right to expect repairs or alternate water options until the water is safe.

What To Do If Your Drinking Water Is Unsafe

If you believe your tap water isn’t safe or isn’t running, take these steps:

• First, tell your landlord or property manager in writing about the issue.
• If it’s not fixed quickly, you can contact DHEC’s Bureau of Water directly for urgent or ongoing water safety concerns.
• If repairs are still not made, you may file an official complaint and, if needed, seek help from your local magistrate court—the main tribunal for landlord-tenant disputes in South Carolina.

Related Official Forms

• Notice to Landlord of Noncompliance (No official number): While there isn’t a standardized statewide form, renters can use a written letter to notify the landlord of unsafe water or repair needs as required by law. Clearly describe the issue, reference your address, date, and what needs to be fixed. You can find official guidance on notices at the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, Section 27-40-610.
• Application to Magistrate Court for Relief: If your landlord does not fix the problem, you may file a complaint (technically called a Summons and Complaint) with your local magistrate court. This can cover requests for orders to repair, rent abatement, or to terminate your lease. For forms and filing steps, visit South Carolina Judicial Branch Forms and search for the relevant "Magistrate Court" forms, such as SCCA/744 (Complaint for Damages).

You should keep copies of all correspondence and any water quality test results.

Who Enforces Water Standards in South Carolina Rentals?

In South Carolina, the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) oversees drinking water safety, while residential tenancy disputes are addressed by the South Carolina Magistrate Court.

• DHEC Drinking Water Bureau: Handles water quality complaints and public health investigations.
• Magistrate Court: Handles legal disputes between landlords and tenants, including requests for repairs and lease enforcement.

FAQ: Safe Drinking Water Rights for South Carolina Renters

1. What if my rental’s tap water is discolored or smells bad?
   Report the issue to your landlord in writing right away. If not fixed, contact DHEC and, if necessary, file a complaint in magistrate court.
2. Is my landlord required to test well water?
   If your rental is supplied by a private well, the landlord must ensure it’s safe. DHEC recommends annual testing, and unsafe results mean your landlord must act to fix the problem.
3. Can I withhold rent for water issues?
   Never withhold rent without following legal steps. Instead, file written notice and consider seeking help through the magistrate court if repairs are not made.
4. Where do I get water quality test results?
   Public water test reports should be available from your water utility or DHEC. For well water, request a copy from your landlord or ask DHEC to test the supply.
5. What law protects my right to safe water?
   The South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and EPA drinking water regulations both protect your right to safe rental housing.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• South Carolina law requires your rental to have safe, running water that meets state and federal standards.
• Report any issues in writing to your landlord first, then to DHEC or magistrate court if not resolved.
• Support is available from DHEC, your local court, and official housing resources.

Knowing your rights can help you act quickly if you face unsafe water in your South Carolina rental.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• SC DHEC Drinking Water Safety: Water safety info and complaint contacts
• South Carolina Magistrate Court: Handles rental disputes
• South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act: Full tenant-landlord law
• HUD South Carolina Tenant Rights: Additional guidance and contact options

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1. South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. SC Department of Health and Environmental Control - Drinking Water
3. U.S. EPA Drinking Water Regulations
4. South Carolina Magistrate Court
5. South Carolina Court Forms Portal

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