Rent keeps going up across South Carolina, and many renters are asking the same question: is there any limit on how much a landlord can raise the rent? Here’s a simple guide to what the law says in 2026.
There Is No Rent Control in South Carolina
South Carolina has no statewide rent control law. That means there is no legal cap on how much a landlord can raise the rent. A landlord can set the new rent at whatever the market will support.
Cities and counties can’t create their own rent limits either. Under South Carolina Code § 27-39-60, local governments are banned from passing rules that regulate how much rent is charged on private rental homes. As of 2026, no city in the state has rent control.
When Can a Landlord Raise the Rent?
- Fixed-term lease: If you have a lease for a set period, like 12 months, your landlord generally can’t raise the rent until the lease ends, unless your lease allows it.
- Month-to-month rental: Your landlord must give you at least 30 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect, under S.C. Code § 27-40-770.
Always read your lease carefully. It may include rules about rent changes.
Rent Increases Can’t Be Used as Revenge
South Carolina law protects tenants from retaliation. Under S.C. Code § 27-40-910, a landlord can’t raise your rent to punish you for complaining to a government agency about housing code problems or for complaining to the landlord about a violation of the law.
There are some exceptions. For example, a rent increase may be allowed if it applies equally to all tenants in a group of units, or if the new rent doesn’t go above fair-market value.
Rent increases also can’t be based on discrimination, such as race, religion, disability or family status.
What About the “Rent Control Act”?
You may see claims online that South Carolina limits rent increases to 7% plus inflation. That is not current law. A bill called the “South Carolina Rent Control Act” (H. 3346) was filed in the state House in December 2024 to put limits on rent increases, but it has not become law.
Tips for Renters
- Keep a copy of your lease and every rent notice you receive.
- Ask for any rent increase in writing.
- Keep records of repair requests and complaints, in case you need to show retaliation.
- If you think an increase is illegal, contact a local legal aid office or a housing attorney.
This article is for general information only and is not legal advice.
Sources:
- South Carolina Landlord-Tenant Laws (2026) – RecordingLaw
- Tenant Rights in Florence, South Carolina – RentCheckMe