Key Takeaways
Renting out your property in Charleston requires compliance with South Carolina's landlord-tenant laws, including rules around maintenance, security deposits, and rent increases.
Preparing your home through repairs, staging, and marketing can attract reliable tenants and minimize vacancies.
Hiring a professional property management company can simplify the rental process, especially when it comes to legal compliance, maintenance, and tenant communication.
Considering selling your home in South Carolina during a market slump? Instead of listing, transforming it into a rental could yield steady income while you wait for prices to rebound.
Tide Property Management offers this guide to help homeowners navigate the process of turning a house into a successful rental in Charleston.
Renting isn’t as simple as putting up a sign. It requires careful planning, legal compliance, property preparation, and possibly professional help.
Whether you're aiming for long-term tenants or short-term renters, here’s what you should know to rent out your home successfully in the Palmetto State.
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1. Recognize Your Property’s Appeal
Before listing, assess your home's strengths. Is it located near USC, Charleston’s hospitals, or key business districts? Proximity to amenities, transit, and job centers can significantly boost rental appeal.
If you're open to short-term leasing, consider furnishing the home and targeting tourists or students. This option can offer flexibility in income while preserving the ability to sell the property in the future.
2. Know South Carolina’s Landlord-Tenant Laws
Understanding and following the law protects your investment and reputation. One of the biggest mistakes a landlord can make is not knowing the law. The South Carolina Residential Landlord-Tenant Act requires landlords to provide a safe, habitable home.
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This includes:
Waterproof roofs and walls.
Running hot and cold water, along with adequate heating.
Functioning plumbing, electricity, gas, and HVAC systems.
Clean, pest-free interiors and grounds.
Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in working order.
Landlords must also disclose their name and that of any authorized property manager when signing a lease.
Entry Rights
You are permitted to enter the property for emergencies, repairs, or showings. However, you must provide at least 24-hour notice and enter during reasonable hours (typically between 9 am and 6 pm, or 8 am and 8 pm for tenant-requested services).
Evictions and Retaliation
Legal eviction requires a 5-day notice for unpaid rent or 14 days for lease violations. Retaliatory actions, such as raising rent, cutting off services, or initiating eviction within six months of a tenant complaint, are prohibited.
If violated, landlords may owe the tenant legal fees and up to three months’ rent.
It's also critical to understand how to address tenant complaints and disputes properly. Landlords should respond to repair requests within a reasonable timeframe and document all correspondence.
South Carolina law outlines responsibilities for issues such as mold and pest control, which typically fall on the landlord unless caused by tenant negligence.
Ensure your lease agreements are clear, legally up-to-date, and include terms regarding subletting, property upkeep, pet policies, and lease renewals.
3. Security Deposit Rules
South Carolina does not cap security deposits, though landlords typically charge one to two months’ rent. The deposit amount must be stated in the lease and held separately from personal funds.
After a tenant moves out, landlords have 30 days to return the deposit minus lawful deductions. These may include unpaid rent, excessive damage, or re-letting costs.
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A detailed itemization of deductions must accompany the returned balance. Failure to comply could result in damages up to three times the withheld amount, plus attorney fees.
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4. Raise Rent Properly
Rent control is not allowed in South Carolina, but rent increases are limited to 7% plus the Consumer Price Index annually. For week-to-week leases, landlords must give 7 days’ notice.
Month-to-month leases or leases beyond the first year require 30 to 90 days’ notice, depending on lease terms. Increases during a fixed-term lease must be agreed upon in advance and can be used to boost your ROI.
Violating these rent limits could result in having to repay triple the amount of the overcharge, in addition to the tenant’s legal fees.
5. Prepare the Home For Tenants
Before marketing the property, make sure it is clean, safe, and move-in ready. Power wash the exterior, deep-clean inside, apply fresh paint, and confirm all HVAC and appliances are functioning.
Highlight key amenities in your listings, such as off-street parking, in-unit laundry, updated appliances, or proximity to local attractions. Quality photos and thoughtful descriptions can dramatically improve your chances of attracting great tenants.
In Charleston and other coastal areas, consider adding storm-resistant upgrades like reinforced windows or shutters.
During staging, use neutral colors and maximize natural light. Short-term rentals benefit from comfort and location highlights, while long-term renters tend to value practical space and durability.
6. Screen Tenants Thoroughly
Protect your property by verifying each applicant’s income, credit history, criminal record, eviction history, and references.
While criminal background checks are permitted in South Carolina, each applicant must be assessed individually rather than through blanket policies.
Include clear lease clauses regarding pets, utility responsibilities, subletting, and maintenance. Using consistent screening criteria for all applicants helps you stay compliant with fair housing laws and reduces the risk of legal trouble.
7. Maintain Compliance Through Inspections
Regular inspections help you stay ahead of repairs and maintain tenant satisfaction.
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Check for:
Water damage from plumbing or roofing.
Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Clean gutters, especially after storms.
Exterior hazards like loose steps or pest entry points.
Always provide notice in writing before entry and keep detailed records for future reference.
8. Be a Respectful, Responsive Landlord
Maintaining a good relationship with tenants can reduce turnover. Give proper notice before entering the property, respond promptly to repair requests, and consider welcome gestures like a note or small gift at move-in.
Prompt landlord-tenant communication and consistent service build trust and encourage lease renewals, reducing your long-term vacancy costs.
Consider using a property management portal, email, or dedicated messaging platform to streamline communications. Asking for feedback through brief surveys can also help improve tenant satisfaction.
When tenants feel respected and supported, they are more likely to stay, care for the property, and refer others.
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Bottom Line
Renting out your Charleston home can be a profitable long-term strategy, but it requires knowledge, preparation, and legal compliance.
If staying on top of legal updates, repairs, tenant screening, and rent collection feels overwhelming, partnering with a property management company may be the right move.
Tide Property Management offers full-service solutions to help homeowners manage rentals with ease and professionalism.
From leasing and inspections to legal compliance, our experts are here to help you succeed as a landlord in South Carolina. Reach out today to get started.
