Columbia, SC Local Law
Your complete guide to renter protections in Columbia, SC. Learn about local ordinances, rent control status, security deposit rules, and how city law works alongside South Carolina state protections.
No
Rent Control
30
Days to Return Deposit
No statewide limit
Max Deposit
3
Local Protections
Current rent regulation status
No Local Rent Control
Columbia does not have local rent control. South Carolina state law governs rent increase practices.
Without local rent control, landlords in Columbia may raise rent with proper written notice as required by South Carolina law. There is no cap on the amount of increase, but it must not be retaliatory or discriminatory.
Columbia-specific laws and ordinances
Columbia property maintenance code for rental housing
Richland County code enforcement handles habitability complaints
State law governs security deposit limits and return deadlines
Local ordinances work alongside South Carolina state law. Where local protections are stronger, the local rule typically applies. View full South Carolina state protections.
Laws that apply to all South Carolina renters
Max Security Deposit
No statewide limit
Deposit Return Deadline
30 daysafter the tenancy ends and possession is returned, or after the tenant asks, whichever is later
Entry Notice Required
24 hoursexcept in an emergency, and for regularly scheduled services such as filter changes or pest treatment (9 a.m. to 6 p.m., when your lease sets out that right) and services you asked for (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.), which need only an announcement before entering (S.C. Code § 27-40-530(b))
Governing Statute
South Carolina Code
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No, Columbia does not currently have local rent control. South Carolina state law governs rent increase rules. Landlords must typically provide proper written notice before raising rent.
South Carolina does not set a statutory cap on security deposits. However, landlords must return deposits within 30 days of move-out.
Columbia tenants benefit from several protections: Columbia property maintenance code for rental housing; Richland County code enforcement handles habitability complaints; State law governs security deposit limits and return deadlines. These are in addition to South Carolina state law.
You can contact the Columbia local housing authority or code enforcement department to file complaints about habitability issues, discrimination, or landlord violations. Visit your local housing authority's website for details. You can also file with the South Carolina attorney general's office for state-level violations.
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