In South Carolina, under what conditions may a landlord use a security deposit?

In South Carolina, the primary use of a security deposit by a landlord is specifically intended to cover accrued rent and damages caused by the tenant. This means that if a tenant fails to pay rent or if there are damages that exceed normal wear and tear after the tenant vacates, the landlord has the right to deduct the necessary amounts from the security deposit to recover those losses.

This condition is established in the South Carolina Code of Laws, which safeguards the landlord's ability to recoup financial losses directly resulting from the tenant's actions or failures. The security deposit is designed to protect the landlord against non-payment and significant damages that could incur during the rental period. Thus, using the security deposit for accrued rent and damages aligns with its intended purpose and complies with state regulations governing the handling of security deposits.

In contrast, other selections may not fit the legal scope of how security deposits are supposed to be used. For instance, general expenses related to property upkeep might be part of normal operating costs and are not tied directly to tenant negligence or defaults. Utility payments and legal fees also do not fall under the allowable uses of the security deposit in most circumstances, as the deposit is not intended for ongoing operational costs. Lastly, while repairs to appliances may be necessary, if they