In South Carolina, how soon must a landlord return the security deposit after the lease ends?

In South Carolina, the law requires that a landlord return the security deposit to the tenant within 30 days after the lease ends and the tenant has vacated the property. This timeframe allows landlords the necessary period to inspect the property, make any deductions for damages if applicable, and process the return of the remaining deposit.

When managing security deposits, landlords must also provide an itemized list of any deductions taken from the deposit for repairs or unpaid rent. This requirement promotes transparency and accountability in landlord-tenant relationships, ensuring that tenants are informed about the handling of their deposits. Understanding this timeframe is vital for landlords to comply with state laws and for tenants to know their rights regarding their security deposits.