South Carolina Security Deposit Return Deadline
- Penalty for missing it
- 3x (three times the deposit) (bad-faith retention — up to 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees (§27-40-410))
- The law
- S.C. Code Ann. §27-40-410
The rule
30 days after termination of the tenancy AND the tenant's demand for return. Landlord must provide an itemized written list of deductions (§27-40-410).
- One of only a few 3x-penalty states — strong leverage.
- No deposit cap under state law.
- The 30-day clock runs from your demand — make it in writing.
What happens if your landlord misses the deadline
In South Carolina, a missed deadline seriously weakens your landlord's position. Depending on the circumstances, they may forfeit the right to deduct anything at all, owe you the penalty above, or both. The exact consequence depends on S.C. Code Ann. §27-40-410 and whether they provided the required itemized statement. Don't assume the money is gone — a missed deadline is often the strongest fact pattern for getting it back.
Your next steps in South Carolina
- Confirm the clock ran. Make sure you provided a forwarding address in writing, and that the full deadline has passed.
- Send a demand letter citing S.C. Code Ann. §27-40-410 and the 3x (three times the deposit) penalty. Most landlords pay at this stage.
- If they ignore it, file in small claims. See our walkthrough for the process.
South Carolina deposit questions
How long does my South Carolina landlord have to return my deposit?
30 days after termination of the tenancy AND the tenant's demand for return. Landlord must provide an itemized written list of deductions (§27-40-410).
What if my landlord never sends an itemized list of deductions?
In most states — including South Carolina — failing to provide the required itemized statement within the deadline forfeits the landlord's right to withhold anything. Check S.C. Code Ann. §27-40-410 for the exact rule.
Can I get more than my deposit back in South Carolina?
South Carolina law allows 3x (three times the deposit) for bad-faith retention — up to 3x the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees (§27-40-410). See our penalties guide for how judges apply this.
Verified 2026-10-09 against statute text.