SOUTH CAROLINA – As housing costs continue to rise nationwide, renters in South Carolina are asking: Can my landlord raise the rent—and by how much?
With 2025 underway, understanding the latest rent increase laws is essential for protecting your rights. According to a recent analysis by Huron Insider, South Carolina continues to uphold policies that heavily favor landlords but with certain tenant protections.
No Statewide Rent Control in South Carolina
As of 2025, South Carolina does not have statewide rent control. This means there are no legal limits on how much a landlord can increase rent.
However, municipalities also cannot implement their own rent control ordinances, as state law prohibits local rent regulation.
That said, landlords must still follow proper legal procedures before increasing rent.
Required Notice Before Raising Rent
According to Huron Insider, landlords must give tenants 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent on month-to-month leases. For fixed-term leases (such as yearly agreements), the landlord cannot raise the rent until the lease term ends, unless a clause in the contract permits mid-lease increases.
Read Also: Rent Hikes in Alabama 2025: Legal Limits, Notice Requirements & Protections
Can Rent Be Raised for Any Reason?
Yes—but with limitations. Landlords in South Carolina are legally allowed to raise rent for any reason that is not discriminatory or retaliatory. That means:
- They cannot raise your rent based on race, religion, gender, or disability
- They cannot increase rent as punishment for filing a complaint or requesting repairs
Doing so may violate the Fair Housing Act or state retaliation laws.
Tenants’ Rights and Options
Tenants who receive a rent increase notice can:
- Accept the new terms
- Negotiate with the landlord
- Terminate the lease (if allowed under the notice period and agreement)
If you believe the rent increase is unlawful or retaliatory, you may file a complaint with the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission or consult a tenant-rights attorney.
Stay Updated and Protect Your Lease
Knowing your legal rights is the first step in maintaining housing stability in a rising rental market. To stay informed on housing and tenant laws in your area, visit newyorkdailygazette.com for ongoing updates and legal explainers.
Have a rent story or question? Join the conversation and share your experiences in the comments section on our site.
