You may get confused while settling a deal over the rental property in South Carolina. Get essential help from our South Carolina rental lease agreement template for free, containing thoughtful terms and conditions for free downloads and customization as you desire.
South Carolina (SC) is regarded as the best place when it comes to investing in the US real estate market. The rental industry in SC offers lucrative investment opportunities.
Families can enjoy rental homes in any of South Carolina’s cities such as Columbia, Greenville, Charleston, and others. If you are searching for a rental property in SC, make sure you know what is included in the SC rental agreement.
Key inclusions in a South Carolina Rental Lease Agreement are:
Tenant and landlord information
Disclosures and information on safety hazards
Property information and security deposit specifics
What Is a South Carolina Lease Agreement?
South Carolina rental lease agreement is a written legal document that binds landlord and tenant typically for about 1 year in exchange for rental payment.
This agreement is solely governed by SC landlord and tenant laws. SC rental agreement is fundamentally a legal contract that outlines terms and conditions regarding the use of the rental property. Besides, this document also states the rules and responsibilities for both landlords and tenants.
South Carolina rental agreement permits the tenant to use the rental premise from the beginning until terms end and as long as rental payments are paid on time. Both parties are strictly advised to comply with the terms and laws of SC rental agreement.
Moreover, all tenants are recommended to carefully review the entire agreement, its terms, sections, and requirements. It is essential to be certain about the entire lease agreement SC. In case, the tenant is unsure about its terms, he/she may consult with an attorney.
Download Our South Carolina Rental Lease Agreement Template Now
We provide you with a free South Carolina rental lease agreement template with a coherent set of details to save your time and prevent inconvenience. With it, you can make sure that you have everything covered in your lease agreement so you won't have any problems with the landlord or tenant later on.
Get your 100% FREE rental lease agreement template Now!
Both parties must be able to handle legal questions and issues pertaining to rental property. For this, landlords and tenants must understand and follow the SC landlord-tenant laws. The following are the key landlord and tenant laws.
Disclosures
Landlords must disclose information to tenants regarding the identity of an authorized person who will act on behalf of the landlord. In addition, information about the security deposit, non-refundable fee, and existing damage to the rental premises should be disclosed.
Security Deposit
Under SC laws, there is no limit on how much a landlord should charge a tenant for a security deposit. However, security deposits must be returned to tenants within 30 days after they move.
Small Claim Lawsuits
Tenants can exercise their right to sue landlords in SC magistrate courts to return security deposits of the amount up to $7,500.
Rental Laws
SC state laws also regulate rent-related issues like how much time should be given to the tenant to pay overdue rent, their grace period, late fees, etc.
Termination and Eviction Rules
The landlord can give unconditional quit notice to the tenant for carrying out illegal activities on rental property. The landlord can also file an eviction in case the tenant refuses to move out of rental premises.
Withhold Rent
Tenants may exercise their right to ‘repair and deduct’ as well as they can withhold rent in case the landlord fails to manage important repairs.
Access to Rental Property
Under SC laws, the landlord must provide 1-day prior notice to enter into the premise of the tenant.
Protection against Retaliation
Tenants may retaliate against the landlord for unsafe living conditions at a rental property.
South Carolina Lease Disclosures & Addendums
There are some disclosures and addendums that are required for SC lease agreements.
Landlord’s Name & Address
The landlord must provide their personal information to tenants. They should also provide the name and address of another authorized person who will act on behalf of the landlord. It is also necessary so that future demands and legal notices could be sent to landlords.
Security Deposit Inequality Disclosure
This disclosure is applicable for rental properties that have two or more adjoining units that charge different security deposits. Of note, security deposits should be of the same amount for all rental units in the same building.
Lead-Based Paint Disclosure
Landlords must disclose information to tenants about buildings that were built before 1978. The risks that might be posed by lead-based paint must be disclosed in SC rental lease agreement.
The landlord must fill out the form of lead-based paint disclosure and attach it with SC rental agreement. Moreover, the landlord must provide information about the dangers of lead-based paint.
Optional Disclosures & Addendums
There are some other disclosures and addendums that are optional and are not required by SC laws in SC lease agreement. These disclosures facilitate landlords to reduce future rent-related conflicts and legal liabilities.
Medical Marijuana Use
Landlords are recommended to tell tenants about the places where they can use medical marijuana. Moreover, they can also restrict the non-smoking methods of using marijuana.
Move-in Checklist
Landlords should provide tenants with an itemized list of property damages before they move-in to the rental premise. This is necessary to ensure that tenants are responsible for damages to the property during lease terms.
Late and Returned Check Fees
Landlords should also disclose information in SC rental agreement about late rental payment and returned checks. Late fees should not exceed over 10% of the total rent. Moreover, the due date for rent should be dictated in the SC lease agreement.
Shared Utilities Arrangements
Landlords are recommended to disclose the information about shared utilities. For example, how utilities will be shared between parties, how the bill will be calculated. It is crucial so that tenants may have a reasonable expectation about their monthly rent.
Bed Bug Disclosure
Landlords should disclose information about bed bug infestation on rental property. They may also provide information and current status of bed bugs to handle future infestation.
Asbestos Disclosure
Rental property that was built before 1981 is at a high risk of asbestos. Landlords are recommended to disclose information to tenants about the current status of asbestos on rental property.
Mold Disclosure
If there is any mold damage on the rental property, landlords are recommended to disclose information about mold status to tenants. This disclosure may prevent a landlord from future liabilities.
Download Our South Carolina Rental Lease Agreement Template Now
We provide you with a free South Carolina rental lease agreement template with a coherent set of details to save your time and prevent inconvenience. With it, you can make sure that you have everything covered in your lease agreement so you won't have any problems with the landlord or tenant later on.
Get your 100% FREE rental lease agreement template Now!
South Carolina rental lease agreement helps both landlords and tenants to avoid rent-related conflicts in a legal manner. This legal contract requires both parties to adhere to SC landlord-tenant laws to deal with issues related to rental property.
If you want to lease residential property or invest in SC rental market, you can grab free SC rental lease agreement templates from our website CocoSign. You can also find many other templates for different types of legal agreements on CocoSign.
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.
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