South Carolina Property Management

Most South Carolina owners pay a simple, flat monthly management fee, always itemized with no hidden costs. The exact number depends on your property type, location and the services you need. The fastest way to get a real quote is a free, no-obligation rental analysis.

No. South Carolina has no statewide rent control, and state law prevents cities and counties from passing their own rent control ordinances, so there is no percentage cap on increases. What is regulated is notice: at least 30 days written notice before a rent change on a month-to-month tenancy, 7 days on week-to-week, and no increase at all mid-term on a fixed-term lease unless the lease allows it.

South Carolina does not set a maximum security deposit. The obligation sits on the return side. Under S.C. Code Section 27-40-410 you must return the deposit, or deliver a written itemized statement of each deduction and any balance owed, within 30 days after the tenancy ends, possession is delivered and the tenant makes demand, whichever is latest. Failing to itemize properly can cost you the right to withhold anything.

For nonpayment, the process can begin once rent is five days late. The landlord serves a written five-day notice to pay or quit, unless the lease contains a valid written waiver of that notice. If it is not resolved, the case is filed in the county magistrate court, the tenant is served and given a window to answer, and the court can issue a rule to vacate if there is no response. Timelines vary by county and by how the tenant responds.

Yes, if you are managing property for someone else in exchange for compensation. Title 40, Chapter 57 of the South Carolina Code makes it unlawful to act as a property manager without a valid licence from the South Carolina Real Estate Commission. A property manager must be at least 18, a property manager-in-charge at least 21, and both must complete a Commission-approved course in property management fundamentals. Owners who manage only their own property are exempt.

At least 30 days written notice for a month-to-month tenancy, and 7 days for a week-to-week tenancy, before the new amount takes effect. On a fixed-term lease such as a standard twelve-month agreement, you cannot raise the rent during the term unless the lease itself includes a clause permitting a mid-term adjustment.

In Charleston, two-bedrooms run about $1,900 to $2,400 per month as of mid-2026, with one-bedrooms near $1,600 to $2,000 and single-family homes from about $2,500. Rents are up roughly 2 to 3 percent year over year across the Lowcountry.

No. South Carolina has no rent control and is considered landlord-friendly. Rent increases are governed by the lease with proper notice, 30-day notice is typical for month-to-month tenancies, and deposits follow the SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This is general information, not legal advice.

We manage homes across Greater Charleston (Charleston, Summerville, Mount Pleasant, North Charleston, Goose Creek, Hanahan, James Island) and the Lowcountry (Bluffton, Hilton Head, Okatie, Beaufort, Hardeeville). If your city is not listed, just contact us.

Yes. Intempus is a full real estate company, and our licensed brokerage helps investors buy and sell South Carolina homes. Visit our Real Estate page to get started.

Well-priced homes in Charleston and the Lowcountry typically lease in about 18 to 30 days. We move fast with professional photography, wide syndication, responsive showings and thorough tenant screening.