South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Brokers who manage long-term residential rentals in South Carolina must understand the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and where property management fits in the license structure. This chapter covers those rules.
Rights and Duties (Title 27, Chapter 40)
The South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets the rights and obligations of residential landlords and tenants, including security-deposit handling, habitability, and notice requirements. A broker managing residential rentals must apply these rules and advise clients accordingly.
Security Deposits and Trust Duties
Tenant security deposits are client funds that must be handled under the landlord-tenant law and the broker's trust-account duties, including proper accounting and lawful return with any allowed deductions. Treating deposits as commission or personal funds violates both the landlord-tenant law and the license law.
Property Manager Licensing
South Carolina licenses property managers and property managers-in-charge for those whose business is managing rental real estate, a distinct track from the sales-broker ladder. A broker who understands where property management fits can advise clients and stay within the scope of their own license.