South Carolina Mobile Home Park Rent Increase Laws

If you're renting a space in a South Carolina mobile home park, understanding your rights around rent increases is essential. This guide explains how and when your rent can change, the limits to increases, and the steps you can take if you believe a raise is unfair. South Carolina law provides mobile home park tenants with certain protections, so you can make informed decisions and maintain stable housing.

Understanding Rent Increases in Mobile Home Parks

South Carolina law governs rental agreements for mobile home parks under the South Carolina Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act.¹ Park owners can raise lot rental rates, but specific rules must be followed to protect renters from sudden or unfair increases. Unlike some states, South Carolina does not have statewide rent control, but there are important notice requirements and good cause limitations.

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

Mobile home park landlords can only increase rent at the end of your rental term—typically when your lease renews. State law requires that they provide at least 60 days' written notice before any rent increase takes effect.

• The notice must be in writing and delivered to you—either in person or by mail.
• This applies to both monthly and yearly leases in mobile home parks.

For example, if your lease ends on August 31, your landlord must notify you of a rent increase by July 2 at the latest. This gives you time to plan, budget, or seek other options if needed.

Is There a Limit to How Much Rent Can Increase?

South Carolina law does not place a cap on rent amounts or percentage increases for mobile home park lot rents. This means park owners can set new rents at their discretion, but must always provide the required 60-day notice period before implementation.

Tip: Always request rent increase notifications in writing and keep them for your records. Clear documentation can be important if you need to dispute the increase later.

Protections and Restrictions for Mobile Home Park Renters

While there is no rent cap, there are rules that protect renters from sudden or retaliatory rent increases:

• No Mid-Lease Increases: Rent can only be changed when your lease renews; it cannot be raised during the existing lease period unless both parties agree in writing.
• No Retaliation: Park owners cannot raise your rent solely in response to you exercising your legal rights, such as making a complaint or joining a tenant association.
• Required Written Notice: Without proper notice, a rent increase is not enforceable.

If you suspect a rent increase is due to retaliation, you can file a formal complaint (see the steps below).

What If Your Lease Is Month-to-Month?

Even for month-to-month agreements, landlords must provide the same 60-day written notice before raising rent.

Responding to a Rent Increase Notice

If you receive a notice of a rent increase, review your rental agreement and verify:

• The amount of notice provided (at least 60 days)
• The timing—ensure your lease is ending or being renewed
• Details are in writing and delivered properly

Essential Forms for South Carolina Mobile Home Park Renters

• Formal Complaint (Magistrate Court Summons and Complaint): If your landlord unlawfully increases your rent (for example, without proper notice), you can file a complaint in magistrate court using the Civil Summons and Complaint (SCCA/732).
  Example: If you receive a rent increase with only 30 days' notice instead of the legally required 60, you may use this form to start your case.
• Notice to Vacate (Homestead or Tenant Notice to Vacate): If you choose not to accept the new rent, you may provide a written notice to your landlord. While there is no state-mandated form, you should create a clear written notice. Sample templates may be requested from your local magistrate court or found through the South Carolina Judicial Branch.
  Example: If you decide to move instead of accepting a rent increase, deliver this written notice as required by your lease terms.

The South Carolina Magistrate Court handles residential tenancy disputes, including those about rent increases in mobile home parks.²

Steps to Address an Unlawful Rent Increase

Here's what you can do if you believe a rent increase was not legally issued or was done in retaliation:

• Gather your rental agreement and rent increase notice
• Document any communication with your landlord
• Attempt to resolve the issue directly with the landlord
• If unresolved, file a civil complaint with your local magistrate court using the proper form (SCCA/732 Summons and Complaint)

Be sure to act promptly: you have a limited window of time to dispute rent issues after receiving notice.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much notice does my landlord need to give before raising my rent in a South Carolina mobile home park?
   Landlords must give at least 60 days' written notice before a mobile home park rent increase takes effect.
2. Is there a maximum amount my landlord can raise my rent in a mobile home park?
   There is no state cap on rent increases, but they must follow notice requirements and not be retaliatory.
3. What should I do if I think a rent increase is unfair or retaliatory?
   Gather documentation and file a complaint with your local magistrate court if attempts to resolve with your landlord fail.
4. Does this law apply to all mobile home renters in South Carolina?
   Yes, if you rent a lot in a mobile home park for your manufactured home, the Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act applies.
5. Can my landlord raise the rent during the lease?
   No, rent can only be increased at lease renewal, with at least 60 days' written notice.

Key Takeaways for Mobile Home Park Renters

• South Carolina requires at least 60 days' written notice for rent increases in mobile home parks.
• No maximum limit on rent increases, but increases can't be made during a lease or as retaliation.
• Formal complaint forms and assistance are available if you feel your rights have been violated.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• South Carolina Magistrate Court: Handles mobile home park tenancy disputes
• South Carolina Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal advice and representation for renters
• South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs: General tenant information and resources
• South Carolina Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act: Full legal text

---

1. South Carolina Manufactured Home Park Tenancy Act (S.C. Code Ann. §27-47-110 to 27-47-670)
2. South Carolina Judicial Branch – Magistrate Court

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations