Need to create a binding agreement over a leasing rental property in South Carolina? Get hold of our South Carolina residential lease agreement! To speed up your leasing procedure and make it simple, we’ve created an easy and free residential lease agreement template for you with advice from legal experts.
If you are looking to lease a residential property in South Carolina, you must be knowledgeable of the South Carolina residential lease agreement.
In this article, you will get to know about what exactly is SC residential lease agreement. In addition to this, you will learn what is included in this lease agreement and who needs this contract. So, without further ado, let’s find out!
What Is a South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement?
The South Carolina Residential rental agreement is the state-official contract that creates a binding agreement between property owner and tenant. This legal contract allows the tenant to access rental premises in exchange for certain rental payments.
Besides, SC rental agreement entails specific terms and conditions regarding uses of the rental unit. The specific provisions in this rental agreement ensure that both parties have a thorough understanding of what is expected of them during the lease term.
Of note, this residential rental agreement form is valid for a fixed 1-year period. Before signing this document, landlords are recommended to verify the creditworthiness of potential tenants using the SC rental application.
Moreover, due to the official nature of the South Carolina residential lease agreement, both parties must read the contract thoroughly before signing. This is because once the agreement is signed and the tenant has moved-in, it is quite difficult to make changes in the agreement.
It is important to note that under SC laws, landlords are not allowed to enter the rental property unless 24-hours prior notice is not given to the tenant. Moreover, all SC rental lease agreements are under SC residential landlord and tenant act.
Download Your Free South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement Template!
There is no need to waste time searching around for a reliable yet affordable lawyer in crafting the South Carolina residential lease agreement for you to use while renting a place in South Carolina. Feel free to use our template that is designed under on-point and practical legal advice, tailored according to your needs!
Who Needs a South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement?
As mentioned earlier, the South Carolina residential lease agreement is a legal contract; it is used by property owners and potential tenants. If you are a property owner in South Carolina state, and willing to lease your residential property, you will need this agreement.
Similarly, potential applicants who are interested in buying residential property in the state of South Carolina will need this agreement. It is essential because it is legally binding between both parties and protects them from rent-related issues.
This SC residential lease agreement states the legal rights and responsibilities for both tenants and landlords pertaining to the use of the rental property. With the help of this agreement, the landlord can prevent future conflicts with tenants.
In addition to this, landlords can also avoid future liabilities regarding rental property. This is because SC rental agreement embraces the terms and conditions that are in compliance with SC landlord-tenant laws.
Furthermore, the disclosures and addendums in this agreement allow landlords to avoid rent-related issues. It also highlights the rights of tenants that they can exercise in case of a landlord’s failure to fulfill his/her responsibilities.
Based on these facts, the South Carolina residential lease agreement is needed by both SC property owners and tenants.
What You Can Use a South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement for?
South Carolina lease agreement is a real estate contract that is used by landlords to lease their vacant residential property. There is also a South Carolina Lease Agreement with Option to Buy.
It is a legal document that you can use to begin a rental lease. If you are a tenant, this agreement offers a window in which you can choose to buy the residential property. This document also provides an explanation of how you can purchase a rental property.
Since this document clarifies all terms relating to the use of a rental unit, the tenant can sue or retaliate against landlords if they fail to abide by laws. Moreover, under SC laws, tenants can withhold rent if the landlord does not make important repairs.
Furthermore, tenants can use SC residential lease agreement to retaliate against the landlord for unsafe living conditions on a rental unit. Also, this agreement is used to file lawsuits against the landlord for returning security deposits.
Being a landlord, this agreement can be used to terminate the tenancy period if tenants are conducting illegal activities on rental premises. Furthermore, you can also file for eviction in case tenants refuse to move out of the rental unit.
What Are Included in a South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement?
A standard South Carolina residential lease agreement includes the following sections and items. Broadly speaking, SC rental agreement is a comprehensive document that incorporates different sections.
In agreement, there is a section that asks for information about the leased property. It includes details about the address, city, and country of rental property. It also includes the date when the agreement was created, along with the starting and ending date of the agreement.
Information about rent is also required in the agreement. For instance, the amount of rent that will be paid every month, when rent will be considered late, the amount of late fees, returned checks, when rent will be increased.
Moreover, there is a separate section in the SC rental agreement that includes information about security deposits. It also includes refunds upon termination, deduction from security deposits, etc.
SC residential lease agreement also includes information about the uses of rental premises, condition of the premise. It also states conditions when can landlord terminates the tenancy period. Information about shared utilities on a rental property is also included in the agreement.
It also includes the rules for landlords to access the rental premise to make necessary repairs, for inspection, etc. There is a separate section in agreement about whether pets are allowed on the rental unit or not, in addition to lead-based paint disclosure.
At the end of the SC rental agreement, both tenants and landlords are required to sign the lease agreement along with dates.
Download Your Free South Carolina Residential Lease Agreement Template!
There is no need to waste time searching around for a reliable yet affordable lawyer in crafting the South Carolina residential lease agreement for you to use while renting a place in South Carolina. Feel free to use our template that is designed under on-point and practical legal advice, tailored according to your needs!
Overall, the South Carolina residential lease agreement is essential when leasing a property. Both parties are required to follow the specific terms and conditions written in this legal contract.
Now that you know what SC rental agreement is and what are its uses, you can easily lease a residential property.
So stop waiting and visit our website CocoSign to download printable templates for the South Carolina residential lease agreement. You will also find various other templates for agreements on our website.
DOCUMENT PREVIEW
SOUTH CAROLINA RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
I. THE PARTIES. ThisResidential Lease Agreement (“Agreement”) made this is between:
Landlord: with a mailing address of ("Landlord"), AND
Tenant(s): (“Tenant”).
Landlord and Tenant are each referred to herein as a “Party” and, collectively, as the "Parties."
NOW, THEREFORE, FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the mutual promises and agreements contained herein, the Tenant agrees to lease the Premises from the Landlord under the following terms and conditions:
II. LEASE TYPE. This Agreement shall be considered a: (check one)
☐ - Fixed Lease. The Tenant shall be allowed to occupy the Premises starting on and end on (“Lease Term”). At the end of the Lease Term and no renewal is made, the Tenant: (check one)
☐ - May continue to lease the Premises under the same terms of this Agreement under a month-to-month arrangement.
☐ - Must vacate the Premises.
☐ - Month-to-Month Lease. The Tenant shall be allowed to occupy the Premises on a month-to-month arrangement starting on and ending upon notice of days from either Party to the other Party (“Lease Term”).
III. OCCUPANT(S). The Premises is to be occupied strictly as a residentialdwelling with the following individual(s) in addition to the Tenant: (check one)
☐ - (“Occupant(s)”)
☐ - There are no Occupant(s).
IV. THE PROPERTY. The Landlordagrees to lease the described property below to the Tenant: (enter the property information)
The aforementioned property shall be leased wholly by the Tenant (“Premises”).
V. PURPOSE. The Tenant and Occupant(s) may only use the Premises as: (check one)
☐ - A residential dwelling only.
☐ - A residential dwelling and:
VI. FURNISHINGS. The Premises is: (check one)
☐ - To be furnished with the following items:
☐ - Not furnished.
VII. APPLIANCES. The Landlordshall: (check one)
☐ - Provide the following appliances:
☐ - Not provide any appliances.
VIII. RENT. The Tenantshall pay theLandlord,in equal monthly installments, $ ("Rent"). The Rent shall be due on the of every month (“Due Date”) and paidunder the following instructions:
IX. NON-SUFFICIENT FUNDS (NSF CHECKS). If the Tenant pays the Rent with a check that is not honored due toinsufficient funds (NSF): (check one)
☐ - There shall be a fee of $ per incident.
☐ - There shall be no fee.
X. LATE FEE. If Rent is not paid on the Due Date: (check one)
☐ - There shall be a penalty of $ due as ☐ One (1) Time Payment ☐ Every Day Rent is Late. Rent is considered late when it has not been paid within day(s) after the Due Date.
☐ - There shall be No Late Fee if Rent is late.
XI. FIRST (1ST) MONTH'S RENT. The Tenant is required to pay the first (1st) month's rent: (check one)
☐ - Upon the execution of this Agreement.
☐ - Upon the first (1st) day of the Lease Term.
XII. PRE-PAYMENT. The Tenant shall: (check one)
☐ - Pre-Pay Rent in the amount of $ for the term starting on and ending on . The Pre-Payment of Rent shall be due upon the execution of this Agreement.
☐ - Not be required to Pre-Pay Rent.
XIII. PRORATION PERIOD. The Tenant: (check one)
☐ - Shall take possession of the Premises before the start of the Lease Term on and agrees to pay $ for the proration period. The proration rate is calculated by the monthly Rent on a daily basis which shall be paid by the Tenant upon the execution of this Agreement.
☐ - Shall not be taking possession of the Premises before the Lease Term.
XIV. SECURITY DEPOSIT. As part of this Agreement: (check one)
☐ - The Landlord requires a payment in the amount of $ (“Security Deposit”) for the faithful performance of the Tenant under the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Payment of the Security Deposit is required by the Tenant upon the execution of this Agreement. The Security Deposit shall be returned to the Tenant within days after the end of the Lease Termless any itemized deductions. This Security Deposit shall not be credited towards any Rent unless the Landlord gives their written consent.
☐ - The Landlord does not require a Security Deposit as part of this Agreement.
XV. MOVE-IN INSPECTION.Before, at the time of the Tenant accepting possession, or shortly thereafter, the Landlord and Tenant: (check one)
☐ - Agree to inspect the Premises and write any present damages or needed repairs on a move-in checklist.
☐ - Shall not inspect the Premises or complete a move-in checklist.
XVI. PARKING. The Landlord: (check one)
☐ - Shall provide parking space(s) to the Tenant for a fee of $ to be paid ☐ at the execution of this Agreement ☐ on a monthly basis in addition to the rent. The parking space(s) are described as:
☐ - Shall NOT provide parking.
XVII. SALE OF PROPERTY. If the Premises is sold, the Tenant is to be notified of the new Owner, and if there is a new Manager, their contact details for repairs and maintenance shall be forwarded. If thePremises isconveyed to another party, the new owner: (check one)
☐ - Has the right to terminate this Agreement by providing days’ notice to the Tenant.
☐ - Does not have the right to terminate this Agreement.
XVIII. UTILITIES. The Landlordshall provide the following utilities and services to the Tenant:
Any other utilities or services not mentioned will be the responsibility of the Tenant.
XIX. EARLY TERMINATION. The Tenant: (check one)
☐ - Shall have the right to terminate this Agreement at any time by providing at least days’ written notice to the Landlord along with an early termination fee of $ (US Dollars). During the notice period for termination the Tenant will remain responsible for the payment of rent.
☐ - Shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement.
XX. SMOKING POLICY. Smoking on the Premises is: (check one)
☐ - Permitted ONLY in the following areas:
☐ - Prohibited on the Premises and Common Areas.
XXI. PETS. The Tenant: (check one)
☐ - Shall have the right to have pet(s) on the Premises consisting of that are not to weigh over pounds. For the right to have pet(s) on the Premises the Landlord shall charge a fee of $ that is ☐ non-refundable ☐ refundable unless there are damages related to the pet.The Tenant is responsible for all damage that any petcauses, regardless of ownership of said petand agrees to restore the Premises to its original condition at theirexpense.
☐ - Shall not have the right to have pets on the Premises or in the common areas.
XXII. WATERBEDS. The Tenant: (check one)
☐ - Shall have the right to use a waterbed on the Premises.
☐ - Shall not have the right to use a waterbed on the Premises.
XXIII. NOTICES. Any notice to be sent by the Landlord or the Tenant to each other shall use the following addresses:
Landlord's / Agent's Address:
Tenant's Mailing Address: (check one)
☐- The Premises.
☐- Other.
XXIV. AGENT/MANAGER. (check one)
☐- The Landlord does have a manager on the Premises that can be contacted for any maintenance or repair at:
Name:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
☐ - The Landlord does not have a manager on the Premises although the Landlord can be contacted for any maintenance or repair at:
Telephone:
E-Mail:
XXV. POSSESSION. Tenanthas examined the condition of the Premisesand by taking possession acknowledges that they have accepted the Premises in good order and in its current condition except as herein otherwise stated. Failure of the Landlord to deliver possession of the Premises at the start of the Lease Term to the Tenant shall terminate this Agreement at the option of the Tenant. Furthermore, under such failure to deliver possession by the Landlord, and if the Tenant cancels this Agreement, theSecurity Deposit (if any) shall be returned to the Tenant along with any other pre-paid rent, fees, includingif the Tenant paid a fee during the application process before the executionof this Agreement.
XXVI. ACCESS. Upon the beginning of the Proration Period or the start of the Lease Term, whicheveris earlier, the Landlord agrees to give access to the Tenant in the form of keys, fobs, cards, or any type of keyless security entry as needed to enter the common areas and the Premises. Duplicate copies of the access provided may only be authorized under the consent of the Landlord and, if any replacements are needed, the Landlord may provide them for a fee. At the end of this Agreement all access provided to the Tenant shall be returned to the Landlord or a fee will be charged to the Tenant or the fee will be subtracted from the Security Deposit.
XXVII. SUBLETTING. The Tenant shall not be able to sublet the Premises without the written consent from the Landlord. The consent by theLandlordto one subtenant shall not be deemed to be consent to any subsequent subtenant.
XXVIII. ABANDONMENT
.If the Tenantvacates or abandons the Premises for a time-periodthat is the minimum set by State law or seven (7) days, whichever is less,the Landlord shall have the right to terminate this Agreement immediately and remove all belongings including any personal property off of the Premises.If the Tenantvacates or abandons the Premises, the Landlord shall immediately have the right to terminate this Agreement.
XXIX. ASSIGNMENT.Tenantshall not assign this Lease without the prior written consent of the Landlord. The consent by theLandlordto one assignment shall not be deemed to be consent to any subsequent assignment.
XXX. RIGHT OF ENTRY. The Landlordshall have the right to enter the Premises during normal working hours by providing at least twenty-four (24) hours noticein order for inspection, make necessary repairs, alterations or improvements, to supply services as agreed or for any reasonable purpose. The Landlordmay exhibit the Premises to prospective purchasers, mortgagees, or lessees upon reasonable notice.
XXXI. MAINTENANCE, REPAIRS, OR ALTERATIONS. The Tenantshall, at their own expense and at all times, maintain premises in a clean and sanitary manner, and shall surrender the same at termination hereof, in as good condition as received, normal wear and tear excepted. The Tenantmay not make any alterations to the leased premises without the consent in writing of the Landlord. The Landlordshall be responsible for repairs to the interior and exterior of the building. If the Premisesincludes a washer, dryer, freezer, dehumidifier unit and/or air conditioning unit, the Landlordmakes no warranty as to the repair or replacement of units if one or all shall fail to operate. The Landlordwill place fresh batteries in all battery-operated smoke detectors when the Tenantmoves into the premises. After the initial placement of the fresh batteries it is the responsibility of theTenantto replace batteries when needed. A monthly "cursory" inspection may berequired for all fire extinguishers to make sure they are fully charged.
XXXII. NOISE/WASTE. The Tenantagreesnot to commit waste on the premises, maintain, or permit to be maintained, a nuisance thereon, or use, or permit the premises to be used, in an unlawful manner. The Tenantfurther agrees to abide by any and all local, county, and Statenoise ordinances.
XXXIII. GUESTS.There shall be no other persons living on the Premises other than the Tenant and anyOccupant(s). Guests of the Tenantare allowed for periods not lasting for more than 48 hoursunless otherwise approved by the Landlord in writing.
XXXIV. COMPLIANCE WITH LAW. The Tenantagrees that during the term of the Agreement, to promptly comply with any present and future laws, ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, and requirements of the Federal, State, County, City, and Municipal government or any of their departments, bureaus, boards, commissions and officials thereof with respect to the premises, or the use or occupancy thereof, whether said compliance shall be ordered or directed to or against the Tenant, the Landlord,or both.
XXXV. DEFAULT
. If the Tenant fails to comply with any of the financial or material provisions of this Agreement, or of any present rules and regulations or any that may be hereafter prescribed by the Landlord, or materially fails to comply with any duties imposed on the Tenant by statute or State laws, within the time periodafter delivery of written notice by the Landlord specifying the non-compliance and indicating the intention of the Landlord to terminate the Agreement by reason thereof, the Landlord may terminate this Agreement. If the Tenant fails to pay rent when due and the default continues for the time-period specified in the written notice thereafter, the Landlord may, at theiroption, declare the entire balance (compiling all months applicable to this Agreement) of rent payable hereunder to be immediately due and payable and may exercise any and all rights and remedies available to the Landlord at law or in equity and may immediately terminate this Agreement.
The Tenant will be in default if: (a) Tenant does not pay rent or other amounts that are owed; (b) Tenant, their guests, or the Occupant(s) violate this Agreement, rules, or fire, safety, health, or criminal laws, regardless of whether arrest or conviction occurs; (c) Tenant abandons the Premises; (d) Tenant gives incorrect or false information in the rental application; (e) Tenant, or any Occupant(s) is arrested, convicted, or given deferred adjudication for a criminal offense involving actual or potential physical harm to a person, or involving possession, manufacture, or delivery of a controlled substance, marijuana, or drug paraphernalia under state statute; (f) any illegal drugs or paraphernalia are found in the Premises or on the person of the Tenant, guests, or Occupant(s) while on the Premises and/or; (g) as otherwiseallowed by law.
XXXVI. MULTIPLE TENANT OR OCCUPANT(S). Each individual that is considered aTenant is jointly and individuallyliable for all of this Agreement's obligations, including but not limited to rent monies. If any Tenant, guest, or Occupant(s) violates this Agreement, theTenant is considered to have violated this Agreement. Landlord’s requests and notices to the Tenant or any of the Occupant(s) of legal ageconstitutes notice to the Tenant. Notices and requests from the Tenant or any one of the Occupant(s) (including repair requests and entry permissions) constitutes notice from theTenant. In eviction suits, theTenant is considered the agent of the Premise for the service of process.
XXXVII. DISPUTES. If a dispute arises during or after the term of this Agreementbetween the Landlordand Tenant, they shall agree to hold negotiations amongst themselves, in "good faith", before any litigation.
XXXVIII. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof shall, for any reason and to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, neither the remainder of this Agreement nor the application of the provision to other persons, entities or circumstances shall be affected thereby, but instead shall be enforced to the maximum extent permitted by law.
XXXIX. SURRENDER OF PREMISES. The Tenant hassurrendered the Premises when (a) the move-out date has passed and no one is living in the Premise within the Landlord’s reasonable judgment; or (b) Access tothe Premise have been turned in to Landlord – whichever comes first. Upon the expiration of the term hereof, the Tenant shall surrender the Premise in better or equal condition as it were at the commencement of this Agreement, reasonable use, wear and tear thereof, and damages by the elements excepted.
XL. RETALIATION. The Landlord is prohibited from making any type of retaliatory acts against the Tenant including but not limited to restricting access to the Premises, decreasing or cancelling services or utilities, failure to repair appliances or fixtures, or any other type of act that could be considered unjustified.
XLI. WAIVER. A Waiver by the Landlord fora breach of any covenant or duty bythe Tenant, under this Agreement is not a waiver fora breach of any other covenant or duty bythe Tenant, or of any subsequent breach of the same covenant or duty. No provision of this Agreement shall be considered waived unless such a waiver shall be expressed in writing as a formal amendment to this Agreement and executed by the Tenantand Landlord.
XLII. EQUAL HOUSING. If the Tenant possesses any mental or physical impairment, the Landlord shallprovide reasonable modifications tothe Premises unless the modifications would be too difficult or expensive for the Landlord to provide. Any impairment(s) of the Tenant are encouraged to be provided and presented to the Landlord in writing in order to seek the most appropriate route for providing the modifications to the Premises.
XLIII. HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. The Tenant agrees to not possess any type of personal property that could be considered a fire hazard such as a substance having flammable or explosive characteristics on the Premises. Items that are prohibited to be brought into the Premises, other than for everyday cooking or the need of an appliance, includes but is not limited to gas (compressed), gasoline, fuel, propane, kerosene, motor oil, fireworks, or any other related content in the form of a liquid, solid, or gas.
XLIV. INDEMNIFICATION. The Landlordshall not be liable for any damage or injury to the Tenant, or any other person, or to any property, occurring on the Premises, or any part thereof, or in common areas thereof, and the Tenantagrees to hold the Landlordharmless from any claims or damages unless caused solely by the Landlord'snegligence. It is recommended that renter's insurance be purchased at the Tenant'sexpense.
XLV. COVENANTS. The covenants and conditions herein contained shall apply to and bind the heirs, legal representatives, and assigns of the parties hereto, and all covenants are to be construed as conditions of this Agreement.
XLVI. PREMISES DEEMED UNINHABITABLE. If the Premises is deemed uninhabitable due to damage beyond reasonable repair the Tenant will be able to terminate this Agreement by written notice to the Landlord. If said damage was due to the negligence of the Tenant, the Tenantshall be liable to the Landlord for allrepairs and for the loss of income due to restoring the Premises back to a livable condition in addition to any other losses that can be proved by the Landlord.
XLVII. LEAD PAINT.(check one)
☐- The Premises was built prior to 1978 and there is an attachment titled the ‘Lead-Based Paint Disclosure’ that must be initialed and signed by the Landlord and Tenant.
☐ - The Premises was not built prior to 1978.
XLVIII. GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement is to be governed under the laws located in the State of South Carolina.
XLIX. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
L. ENTIRE AGREEMENT.This Agreement contains all the terms agreed to by the parties relating to its subject matter including any attachments or addendums. This Agreementreplaces all previous discussions, understandings, and oral agreements. The Landlord and Tenant agree to the terms and conditions and shall be bound until the end of the Lease Term.
Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint and/or Lead-Based Paint Hazards
Lead Warning Statement
Housing build before 1978 may contain lead-based paint. Lead from paint, paint chips, and dust can pose health hazards if not managed properly. Lead exposure is especially harmful to young children and pregnant women. Before renting pre-1978 housing, landlords must disclose the presence of known lead-based paint and /or lead-based paint hazards in the dwelling. Tenants must also receive a federally approved pamphlet on lead poisoning prevention.
Lessor’s Disclosure
(a)Presence of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards (check one below):
☐- Known lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards are present in the housing (explain):
☐- Landlord has no knowledge of lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.
(b)Records and reports available to the landlord (check one below)
☐- Landlord has provided the tenant with all available records and reports pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing (list documents below).
☐- Landlord has no reports or records pertaining to lead-based paint and/or lead-based paint hazards in the housing.
Tenant’s Acknowledgement
☐- Tenant has received copies of all information listed above.
☐- Tenant has received the pamphlet “Protect Your Family From Lead in Your Home”.
Broker’s Acknowledgement
☐- Broker has informed the tenant of the tenant’s obligations under 42 USC 4852(d) and is aware of his/her responsibility to ensure compliance.
Certification of Accuracy
The following parties have reviewed the information above and certify, to the best of their knowledge, that the information they have provided is true and accurate.
CocoSign represents a wide collection of legal templates covering all types of leases, contracts and agreements for personal and commercial use. All legal templates available on CocoSign shall not be considered as attorney-client advice. Meanwhile, CocoSign shall not be responsible for the examination or evaluation of reviews, recommendations, services, etc. posted by parties other than CocoSign itself on its platform.
Easier, Quicker, Safer eSignature Solution for SMBs and Professionals