South Carolina landlord repair timeline
How long does a landlord in South Carolina have to repair?
The clock most states set starts at the tenant’s written notice. Here is what the statute says, with the official source. It is general information, not legal advice.
- What it sets
- After written notice, 14 days to remedy, or the lease can end 14 days after notice
- Statute
- Code 27-40-440 and 27-40-610
- Official source
- South Carolina Code title 27, chapter 40
Not an emergency service. For a fire, a gas leak or anyone in danger, call 911 or the gas utility.
What South Carolina law says, line by line
Each line restates the text it cites. Check the current version before you rely on it.
After written notice, the landlord has 14 days to remedy, or the lease can end 14 days after notice.
Code 27-40-610(a)A breach not affecting health and safety that takes longer than 14 days doesn’t end the lease if the work starts within 14 days and continues in good faith.
Code 27-40-610(a)(1)(ii)If essential services are cut off, the tenant may buy them and deduct the cost, but the law doesn’t allow repair and deduct for repairs.
Code 27-40-630(a), (c)The landlord gives at least 24 hours’ notice before entering, with listed exceptions such as emergencies.
Code 27-40-530(c)For services the tenant asked for, the landlord may enter between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM ET after announcing their intent.
Code 27-40-530(b)(3)
Checked October 21, 2026
Turn the statute into your own response times
City rules and your leases can be stricter than the state. Write your times as the strictest of the three.
- Count from when the tenant told you, because many deadlines start at notice
- Put heat, water, power and anything dangerous at the top, day or night
- Ask for notice in writing, and reply in writing, so the record exists if anyone asks
- Record every step with a time: the first reply, the booking, the visit and the confirmation
A question managers ask about South Carolina
Not for repairs. Section 27-40-630 lets a tenant buy essential services and deduct their cost, and says plainly it does not authorize the tenant to make repairs and deduct them from rent.
Managing in another state? Pick it hereThe same leak can have a different clock across a state line.
The clock starts at the tenant’s notice Ours answers at any hour