Lease Agreement in South Carolina — Free PDF & Word (2026 Updated)
Residential or commercial property rental contract
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RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENT
State of South Carolina
This Lease Agreement is entered into on [DATE] between:
LANDLORD:
Name: [LANDLORD NAME]
Address: [LANDLORD ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], SC [ZIP]
TENANT:
Name: [TENANT NAME]
Address: [CURRENT ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], SC [ZIP]
PROPERTY ADDRESS:
[RENTAL PROPERTY ADDRESS]
City, State, ZIP: [CITY], SC [ZIP]
LEASE TERMS:
1. Term: This lease begins on [START DATE] and ends on [END DATE].
2. Rent: $[AMOUNT] per month, due on the [DAY] of each month.
3. Security Deposit: $[AMOUNT] (subject to South Carolina security deposit laws).
4. Late Fees: $[AMOUNT] if rent is not received within [DAYS] days of due date.
TENANT RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain the property in good condition
- Pay all utilities as agreed
- Comply with all South Carolina tenant obligations
- Provide [NOTICE PERIOD] days notice before vacating
LANDLORD RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintain habitable conditions per South Carolina law
- Make necessary repairs in a timely manner
- Respect tenant's right to quiet enjoyment
- Follow South Carolina eviction procedures if necessary
This agreement is governed by South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Law (SC Statutes § [RELEVANT SECTIONS]).
LANDLORD SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
TENANT SIGNATURE: _____________________ DATE: _____
Jennifer Rodriguez, J.D.
Estate Planning Attorney
Licensed in 5 states, 12+ years experience
Focuses on wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents
This Lease Agreement template for South Carolina has been reviewed for accuracy and legal compliance.
Last reviewed: March 2026
Lease Agreement Costs in South Carolina
Estimated fees and processing times
| Fee Type | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Fee | $5-$15 (if required) | South Carolina standard rate: $5 |
| Filing Fee | Varies by state | State registration (if applicable) |
| Processing Time | 1-3 business days | Typical turnaround in South Carolina |
| Sales Tax | 6% | South Carolina base rate (local taxes may apply) |
| Witness Requirement | 2 witnesses | South Carolina requires multiple witnesses |
| Our Template | FREE | Download instantly, no cost |
South Carolina Lease Agreement Requirements
Review the following requirements to ensure your Lease Agreement is legally valid in South Carolina.
South Carolina Notarization
South Carolina requires 2 witnesses and notarization may be mandatory. Fees typically range from $5.
Before You Sign
Review all information carefully. In South Carolina, a 6% sales tax may apply.
Legal Protection
Keep copies of all signed documents. South Carolina law requires all parties to receive copies of executed documents.
South Carolina Filing Deadlines
Check South Carolina deadlines for filing or recording this document with the appropriate county clerk's office.
South Carolina Lease Agreement Legal Guide
For residents of South Carolina, ensuring this form is compliant with state-specific requirements is a top priority for legal validity.
Pursuant to South Carolina State Code in South Carolina, this Lease Agreement must meet specific criteria. The applicable sales tax is 6%. Notarization, which costs $5 in SC, is strongly recommended. 2 witnesses are needed.
This professionally drafted form provides peace of mind knowing you're compliant with all South Carolina legal requirements.
Pro Tips for South Carolina Residents
- **Use blue or black ink** when signing physical copies in South Carolina
- **Keep digital backups** of all signed documents
- **Check for local county requirements** that may apply in addition to SC state law
- **Don't backdate** — South Carolina courts view backdated documents unfavorably
- **Consult an attorney** for transactions exceeding $10,000 in value
How South Carolina Courts View This Document
South Carolina courts apply SC statutory standards when evaluating a Lease Agreement. Judges look for: clear language, proper identification of parties, lawful purpose, and correct execution formalities. Meeting these standards ensures your document will be upheld if ever challenged.
Your South Carolina Filing Guide
After downloading, take your time filling in each section. SC statutes require that all information be accurate and current. Once signed by all parties, determine whether South Carolina requires you to file the document with a government office, record it with the county, or simply retain it for your records.
SC Compliance Checklist
Before finalizing your Lease Agreement, verify that it meets South Carolina's legal standards:
- Full legal names and addresses of all parties
- Clear description of the subject matter
- Consideration or purpose stated explicitly
- Dated and signed by all required parties
- Notarized if mandated by SC statute
South Carolina courts apply SC statutory standards when evaluating a Lease Agreement. Judges look for: clear language, proper identification of parties, lawful purpose, and correct execution formalities. Meeting these standards ensures your document will be upheld if ever challenged.
Your South Carolina Filing Guide
After downloading, take your time filling in each section. SC statutes require that all information be accurate and current. Once signed by all parties, determine whether South Carolina requires you to file the document with a government office, record it with the county, or simply retain it for your records.
SC Compliance Checklist
Before finalizing your Lease Agreement, verify that it meets South Carolina's legal standards:
- Full legal names and addresses of all parties
- Clear description of the subject matter
- Consideration or purpose stated explicitly
- Dated and signed by all required parties
- Notarized if mandated by SC statute
Before finalizing your Lease Agreement, verify that it meets South Carolina's legal standards:
- Full legal names and addresses of all parties
- Clear description of the subject matter
- Consideration or purpose stated explicitly
- Dated and signed by all required parties
- Notarized if mandated by SC statute
FAQ: Lease Agreement in South Carolina
Is a Lease Agreement required in South Carolina?
Yes, in South Carolina, a Lease Agreement is required for most transactions of this type. Under South Carolina State Code, the document must include all parties' information, be signed, and witnessed by 2 individuals. Failure to use a proper Lease Agreement may result in legal complications.
Does a Lease Agreement need to be notarized in South Carolina?
Notarization requirements in South Carolina (SC) vary by transaction type. Notary fees in the state typically range from $5. While not always mandatory, notarization adds an extra layer of legal protection and is recommended for high-value transactions.
What are the tax implications of a Lease Agreement in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a base sales tax rate of 6%. Depending on the type of transaction documented in your Lease Agreement, additional local taxes may apply. Consult with a South Carolina tax professional for specific guidance on your situation.
What should be included in a lease agreement?
A lease agreement should include: names of landlord and tenant, property address, lease term, rent amount and due date, security deposit amount, maintenance responsibilities, rules and restrictions, and signatures of all parties. State-specific requirements may apply.
How much security deposit can a landlord charge?
Security deposit limits vary by state. Some states limit deposits to one or two months' rent, while others have no limit. The deposit must typically be returned within 15-60 days after the lease ends, minus any legitimate deductions for damages.
Can a landlord enter my rental property without notice?
No, most states require landlords to provide advance notice (typically 24-48 hours) before entering a rental property, except in emergencies. The lease agreement should specify the notice period and acceptable reasons for entry.
Where to File Your Lease Agreement in South Carolina
Visit your local County Clerk office to file or notarize your Lease Agreement.
South Carolina County Clerk
South Carolina Capital
Main Government Building, South Carolina
District County Clerk
South Carolina Metro Area
County Courthouse, SC
Other Forms in South Carolina
Lease Agreement in Neighboring States
Document Information
- Document
- Lease Agreement
- State
- South Carolina (SC)
- Category
- Real Estate
- Format
- PDF / Word / Print
- Cost
- 100% Free
- Sales Tax
- 6%
- Notary Fee
- $5
South Carolina Legal Requirements
Governing Statute:
State Landlord-Tenant Law
- ✓Written lease recommended for terms over 1 year
- ✓Security deposit regulations vary by state
- ✓Landlord must maintain habitable conditions
- ✓Check local housing authority for specific rules
📊 Lease Agreement vs. Rental Agreement in South Carolina
Legal Disclaimer
This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws in South Carolina may change. Consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.