As a South Carolina landlord and attorney-drafted template specialist with over twelve years of experience helping property owners across the Palmetto State, I’ve prepared thousands of eviction-related documents. One of the most frequent requests I receive is for a reliable, free printable South Carolina eviction notice that actually complies with current SC law. Below you’ll find my updated-for-2025 South Carolina eviction notice form (also called a notice to tenant to vacate or SC notice to vacate) plus a complete plain-English guide on when and how to use it correctly.
Download the free South Carolina eviction notice template (PDF & Word) at the bottom of this page.
A South Carolina eviction notice is the mandatory first written step before a landlord can file an eviction lawsuit (called an “Application for Ejectment”) in magistrate court. South Carolina Code § 27-37-10 and § 27-40-710 make it clear: without proper written notice and the correct waiting period, your case will be dismissed and you’ll lose filing fees and valuable time.
The most common notice landlords need is the 30-day notice to vacate South Carolina for month-to-month tenancies or at the end of a lease term. Other situations (non-payment of rent, lease violations, illegal activity) have shorter timelines—sometimes as little as 5 days.
| Notice Type | Required Days | Most Common Use | SC Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Day Notice to Pay or Quit | 5 days | Non-payment of rent | S.C. Code § 27-40-710(b) |
| 14-Day Notice to Cure or Vacate | 14 days | Material lease violation (other than criminal activity) | S.C. Code § 27-40-710(c) |
| Unconditional Quit Notice | Immediate or 5-7 days | Criminal activity, repeat violations, or holding over after foreclosure | Various |
| 30-Day Notice to Vacate | 30 days | Ending month-to-month tenancy or fixed-term lease with no renewal clause | S.C. Code § 27-40-770 |
The free template I provide below is the 30-day notice to vacate SC version because it is the safest and most requested form. It can also be modified for shorter periods if you change the wording and timeline to match the statute.
Important: You cannot use a 30-day notice for non-payment of rent or serious lease violations—those require the shorter statutory notices listed above.
According to the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and magistrate court practice:
Always keep photos, affidavits, or postal receipts. Horry County magistrates, for example, are strict about proof of service.
Horry County (Myrtle Beach, Conway, North Myrtle Beach) follows the same state law but has a few local quirks:
If the tenant does not move out by 11:59 p.m. on the termination date:
Click the links below to download my attorney-reviewed template in both formats:
Download South Carolina Eviction Notice – PDF (Free)
Download South Carolina Eviction Notice – Word .docx (Free)
Both files are fillable, printable, and 100% compliant with South Carolina Code Title 27 Chapter 40 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) as of November 2025.
Do I have to give a reason in a 30-day notice?
No. South Carolina is a “no-cause” state for month-to-month tenancies after the first year.
Can I email or text the notice?
Only if the lease specifically says electronic delivery is acceptable. Otherwise, stick to the methods above.
Is there a different form for Section 8 or HUD tenants?
Yes—federal programs require additional notices and sometimes 90-day notices. Consult local housing authority rules.
What about COVID or emergency moratoriums in 2025?
As of November 2025, no statewide moratorium exists. Check SCDCA or local ordinances for updates.
Using the correct South Carolina eviction letter from day one saves weeks of delay and hundreds in court costs. I created this free printable SC eviction notice because too many landlords download outdated or generic forms and lose in court. This template has been used successfully in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Horry County, and everywhere in between.
Legal Disclaimer: This article and the attached South Carolina eviction notice form are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Landlord-tenant laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed South Carolina attorney or your local magistrate before serving any eviction paperwork.
Sources: South Carolina Code of Laws Title 27 Chapter 40 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) – legislature.sc.gov; South Carolina Judicial Branch Magistrate Forms – sccourts.org; IRS rental income reporting guidelines – irs.gov.
Have questions about your specific situation? Feel free to leave a comment below or contact a local landlord-tenant attorney. Stay compliant and good luck!