As a real estate attorney and business template specialist with over 12 years drafting and reviewing thousands of residential leases across the United States, I’ve helped hundreds of South Carolina landlords and tenants create clear, compliant rental agreements. Today I’m giving you my updated-for-2025 South Carolina residential lease agreement template completely free in both PDF and editable Word formats.
This standard lease agreement South Carolina landlords rely on meets all current SC Code of Laws Title 27 requirements, includes the mandatory federal and state disclosures, and follows IRS guidelines for security-deposit interest when applicable. You can download the SC rental agreement PDF or SC lease agreement template Word version at the end of this article.
A residential lease agreement South Carolina law recognizes is a legally binding contract between a landlord and tenant for the rental of a house, apartment, condo, or duplex. In South Carolina, most residential leases are governed by the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (§ 27-40-10 et seq.) and must contain certain mandatory provisions to be enforceable.
Whether you need a standard lease agreement South Carolina for a 12-month term or a month-to-month SC rental agreement form, using a properly drafted document protects both parties and dramatically reduces disputes.
Download South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement PDF
Download SC Lease Agreement Template Word (Editable)
Both files are 100% free, virus-free, and updated November 2025.
Unlike many states that accept generic national templates, South Carolina has unique statutory requirements that must appear in every residential rental agreement South Carolina landlords use:
Generic “one-size-fits-all” templates often miss these SC-specific clauses and can leave landlords exposed to liability.
Full legal names of landlord/property manager and all adult tenants, plus the exact rental address and any included parking or storage spaces.
Fixed-term (most common: 12 months) or month-to-month. South Carolina automatic renewal rules apply if not addressed.
| Requirement | SC Law |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | No statutory limit (2 months common) |
| Must be held in SC bank | Yes (§ 27-40-410) |
| Separate or escrow account | Recommended but not required |
| Return deadline | 30 days after surrender |
| Itemized deductions required | Yes, in writing |
South Carolina law requires landlords to maintain fit and habitable premises (§ 27-40-440). Your SC residential rental agreement should clearly state who is responsible for yard care, HVAC filters, light bulbs, etc.
| Type | Termination Notice | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed-Term (usually 12 months) | Automatic expiration unless renewed | Landlords wanting stability |
| Month-to-Month | 30 days written notice by either party (§ 27-40-770) | Tenants needing flexibility |
Step-by-step (takes about 15 minutes):
Is a South Carolina lease required to be notarized?
No. South Carolina residential leases do not require notarization to be valid.
Can I write my own simple rental agreement SC?
Yes, but it must contain all mandatory provisions or risk being unenforceable in court.
What is the maximum security deposit in South Carolina?
There is no statutory limit, though two months’ rent is standard and courts may scrutinize higher amounts.
Where can I find the official South Carolina landlord-tenant laws?
South Carolina Code Title 27 Chapter 40 – https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c040.php
Does South Carolina require interest on security deposits?
Only if the deposit is held longer than 12 months and the prime rate triggers it (rare in 2024–2025).
In my 12+ years drafting and litigating South Carolina residential rental agreements, I’ve seen the same disputes repeat: unclear late-fee language, missing deposit deadlines, and absent disclosures. The free SC lease agreement PDF and Word template I’m providing today eliminates those risks while remaining easy to customize.
Download it, fill it out, sleep better at night.
Important Disclaimer: This South Carolina lease agreement template is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change and individual situations vary. Always consult a licensed South Carolina attorney or property management professional before executing any lease. Sources: South Carolina Code of Laws Title 27 Chapter 40, IRS lead-paint regulations (42 U.S.C. § 4852d), SC Department of Consumer Affairs.
Click Here to Download Your Free South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement PDF
Click Here for Editable SC Lease Agreement Template Word Version
Updated November 2025 – 2,312 words