South Carolina Notice to Vacate: Notice Periods and Rules
In South Carolina, tenants give at least 30 days written notice to end a month-to-month tenancy, and landlords give at least 30 days. For unpaid rent, the notice period is 5 days. The details, exceptions and statute citations are below.
South Carolina notice periods at a glance
| Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy | 30 days S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-770(b) |
|---|---|
| Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy | 30 days S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-770(b) |
| Notice for unpaid rent | 5 days S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-710(B) |
| End of a fixed-term lease | The statute does not require notice to end a fixed-term lease on its end date. If the landlord accepts rent afterwards, the tenancy generally continues month-to-month. |
| How notice can be delivered | Handed to the tenant, or mailed by registered or certified mail to the tenant's designated address or last known residence; proof of mailing counts as notice (§ 27-40-240(B)). Notice to the landlord is delivered to its place of business or designated address. |
The 5-day nonpayment notice needs to be given only once per lease term. It is satisfied entirely if the lease contains the conspicuous statutory clause 'IF YOU DO NOT PAY YOUR RENT ON TIME...'; in that case the landlord can file after rent is 5 days late with no further notice, even after the lease turns month-to-month. Week-to-week tenancies need 7 days (§ 27-40-770(a)).
What a South Carolina notice to vacate should include
- The names of every tenant on the lease and the full address, including unit number
- The date you are giving the notice and the date the tenancy ends
- A move-out date that gives at least the minimum notice above, counted from the day the notice is delivered
- For unpaid rent: the exact amount owed and how to pay it
- Your name, signature and contact details
- A record of how and when you delivered it (keep a copy)
Many month-to-month notices must also end on the last day of a rental period, so if rent is due on the 1st, the safest move-out date is the end of a month. Giving more notice than the minimum is fine; giving less usually makes the notice invalid.
South Carolina notice to vacate FAQ
How much notice does a tenant have to give in South Carolina?
For a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days in writing (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-770(b)). If you have a fixed-term lease, check the lease: it may require notice before the end date or renew automatically.
How much notice does a landlord have to give in South Carolina?
To end a month-to-month tenancy without a specific reason, at least 30 days (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-770(b)).
What is the notice period for unpaid rent in South Carolina?
The tenant gets 5 days to pay or move out (S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-710(B)). If the tenant does neither, the landlord can file an eviction case; only a court can order the tenant out.
How do you deliver a notice to vacate in South Carolina?
Handed to the tenant, or mailed by registered or certified mail to the tenant's designated address or last known residence; proof of mailing counts as notice (§ 27-40-240(B)). Notice to the landlord is delivered to its place of business or designated address.
Do I need to give notice at the end of a fixed-term lease in South Carolina?
The statute does not require notice to end a fixed-term lease on its end date. If the landlord accepts rent afterwards, the tenancy generally continues month-to-month.
Create your South Carolina notice
The form fills in the South Carolina notice period, dates and delivery details and gives you a print-ready PDF. You see the notice before you pay; plans start at $29.
Start the formSources
Checked October 2026. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Guides
- 30-Day Notice to Vacate: Sample Letter and Rules
- 30-Day Notice to Landlord: Intent to Vacate Letter
- Lease Termination Letter: End-of-Term and Early Termination
- Notice to Vacate Template and Sample Letter
- Notice to Pay Rent or Quit
- 60-Day Notice to Vacate
- Lease Non-Renewal Letter