Does my landlord have to install fire sprinklers in my apartment?

Sprinkler requirements depend on when the building was built or renovated. Most newer multi-unit buildings must have fire sprinklers. Older buildings may not unless retrofitted or if required by local law.

How can I check if my rental has the right fire escapes?

Look for at least two means of escape from every bedroom—usually a door and a window. If you’re unsure, request an inspection from your local fire department.

What’s the first step if I find a blocked exit in my building?

Notify your landlord in writing immediately. If not resolved quickly, contact your local fire marshal or building inspector for help.

Where do I file a complaint if my landlord ignores fire safety laws?

You can contact your local code enforcement office or fire marshal to report violations. Tenant disputes over unresolved safety issues may be brought to the South Carolina Magistrate Court.

Can I legally withhold rent until my landlord fixes a fire safety issue?

Under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, you may only withhold rent with proper notice and court approval. Seek legal advice before doing so.

South Carolina Renters: Fire Escape & Sprinkler Rules Explained

Health & Safety Standards South Carolina published: June 21, 2025

As a renter in South Carolina, your safety is a shared priority between you and your landlord. Understanding the fire escape and sprinkler requirements in residential buildings can help you make sure your home meets the necessary health and safety standards. This article explains what the law expects of landlords, your rights as a renter, and how to address concerns about fire safety in your unit.

Fire Escape and Sprinkler Rules – What Renters Should Know

South Carolina law sets specific fire safety requirements for rental properties, largely based on local building codes and the statewide adoption of the International Fire Code and related standards. Local fire departments also enforce fire safety codes in accordance with these rules. Here’s what you need to look out for:

Fire Escape Requirements

Exits: Rental buildings must provide safe, unobstructed exits. Each sleeping area must have at least one primary and one secondary means of escape—typically a door and a window large enough for exit.
Maintenance: Exits and corridors must be accessible at all times and free of obstructions. Doors leading to exits cannot be locked in a way that prevents escape.
Multiple Units: Apartments in buildings with three or more residential units often require stairs or fire-rated corridors as designated exits, depending on height and construction.

Sprinkler System Requirements

Older vs. New Construction: South Carolina regulations generally require fire sprinklers in multi-family buildings constructed or fully renovated after 2013 (the adoption year for the 2012 International Building Code).
Retrofit Rules: Older buildings are often required to add sprinklers if major renovations take place or if required by local ordinances.
Maintenance: All existing sprinkler systems must be kept operational and inspected at regular intervals, as outlined by local code enforcement.

For details on your building, you can check with your local building or fire department. State-level enforcement of building standards is managed by the South Carolina Building Codes Council.

Your Rights: Fire Safety Expectations as a Renter

Landlord Responsibility: Under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords must “maintain in good and safe working order” all means of egress and fire protection systems.^[1]
Reporting Hazards: If you see exit doors blocked or notice a faulty sprinkler system, notify your landlord right away (ideally in writing for a record).
Tenant Action: If your landlord does not address a safety concern, you may have the right to report the violation to the local fire marshal or request an inspection.

If you’re worried about fire safety in your rental, ask your landlord for proof of compliance or contact your city or county fire marshal for guidance.

What to Do if Fire Safety Requirements Aren’t Met

If you believe your rental unit violates fire escape or sprinkler requirements, you can take action to protect your rights and prompt repairs.

How to Report a Fire Safety Violation

Document the fire safety concern (photos, notes, dates).
Send a written notice to your landlord detailing the specific problem.
If unaddressed, contact your local fire marshal to request an inspection.
You may also file a complaint with your local code enforcement office.

Official Forms for Renters

Landlord Notice of Violation or Request for Repairs: (No state-mandated form number) – Use this in writing to inform your landlord about a fire safety issue. Include a clear description, photos if possible, and a deadline for response. There is no specific state form, but you can use a written letter or email as your official notice.
Renter Example: If a hallway exit is blocked or a sprinkler isn’t working, write a letter to your landlord describing the situation and requesting prompt repair.
Municipal Complaint/Inspection Forms: Some South Carolina cities have online forms or downloadable PDFs to request fire safety inspections. Check your city or county’s housing/code enforcement page (for example, Charleston Code Enforcement).

The main tribunal handling residential tenancy disputes in South Carolina is your local Magistrate Court. While they do not handle building code enforcement, they oversee disputes if a health or safety concern results in withheld rent or requests for termination.^[2]

FAQ: Fire Escape and Sprinkler Rights in South Carolina Rentals

Does my landlord have to install fire sprinklers in my apartment?
Sprinkler requirements depend on when the building was built or renovated. Most newer multi-unit buildings must have fire sprinklers. Older buildings may not unless retrofitted or if required by local law.
How can I check if my rental has the right fire escapes?
Look for at least two means of escape from every bedroom—usually a door and a window. If you’re unsure, request an inspection from your local fire department.
What’s the first step if I find a blocked exit in my building?
Notify your landlord in writing immediately. If not resolved quickly, contact your local fire marshal or building inspector for help.
Where do I file a complaint if my landlord ignores fire safety laws?
You can contact your local code enforcement office or fire marshal to report violations. Tenant disputes over unresolved safety issues may be brought to the South Carolina Magistrate Court.
Can I legally withhold rent until my landlord fixes a fire safety issue?
Under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, you may only withhold rent with proper notice and court approval. Seek legal advice before doing so.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for South Carolina Renters

Fire escape and sprinkler rules are enforced for your safety; requirements depend on building age and local codes.
Always report fire safety concerns to your landlord in writing, and take further action if repairs are not made promptly.
Contact your local fire marshal or code enforcement for urgent issues; tenancy disputes are handled in Magistrate Court.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

South Carolina Building Codes Council – Statewide code information and enforcement.
South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act – Official legislation for landlord-tenant rights.
SC Magistrate Courts – Handles residential tenancy disputes.
Local Fire Marshals – Find your local office for safety inspections.
For renters in larger cities, local code enforcement pages often include online complaint or inspection request forms, such as the Charleston Code Enforcement Office.