South Carolina’s rent increase laws for 2025 provide important protections for tenants while still allowing landlords flexibility in setting rental rates. Here’s what tenants should know:
Notice Requirements
- For week-to-week tenancies, landlords must provide at least 7 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
- For all other tenancies, landlords must give at least 90 days’ written notice before a rent increase can take effect.
Frequency of Increases
- Landlords cannot raise rent during the first year of tenancy.
- After the first year, rent can only be increased once every 12 months.
Amount of Increase
- There is no statewide rent control in South Carolina.
- However, a proposed bill (the South Carolina Rent Control Act) would limit annual increases to 7% plus the consumer price index, with some exceptions.
Prohibited Practices
- Rent increases cannot be retaliatory or discriminatory.
- Mid-lease increases are not allowed unless specifically permitted in the lease agreement.
Tenant Rights
- Tenants have the right to receive proper written notice detailing the amount of increase and new rent.
- If an increase violates the lease terms or law, tenants may have grounds to challenge it.
Best Practices for Tenants
- Review your lease agreement carefully for any rent increase clauses.
- Keep records of all rent payments and notices received from your landlord.
- If you receive a rent increase notice, verify that it complies with state law requirements.
- Consider negotiating with your landlord if you feel the increase is unreasonable.
- Be aware of your rights regarding habitability and maintenance, which remain regardless of rent increases.
While South Carolina currently allows landlords significant leeway in raising rents, proposed legislation and local ordinances may affect these rules in the future. Tenants should stay informed about any changes to rental laws that may impact their rights and obligations.
Sources:
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-south-carolina
- https://www.crecpropertymanagement.com/new-laws-affecting-rental-properties-in-2025/
- https://ipropertymanagement.com/laws/south-carolina-rent-increases
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/south-carolina-rental-lease-agreement-laws-regulations
- https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/bills/3346.htm
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