Updated January 05, 2023
A South Carolina notice to enter alerts a tenant that their landlord needs access to the rental unit. The notice must include the reason for the landlord’s need to enter. The landlord has to give at least twenty-four (24) hours’ notice and may only enter the premises during reasonable times of the day.
Laws – Title 27, Chapter 40
Notice can be used for
- Providing necessary or agreed services;
- Repairs, decorations, alterations, or improvements; and
- Showing the unit to potential buyers, contractors, mortgage lenders, tenants, or workers.
Other Landlord Access
Abandonment (§27-40-530(d)(4) and §27-40-730(a)) – A landlord may enter a rental unit without notice or consent if they have reason to believe the tenant has abandoned the premises. A rental unit is considered abandoned if the tenant has been absent from the unit for fifteen (15) days or more after defaulting on the rent payment.
Court Order (§27-40-530(d)(1)) – A landlord may enter a rental unit without notice or consent with a valid court order.
Emergency Weather (§27-40-530(b)(1)) – A landlord may enter a rental unit without notice or consent at any time in the instance of weather conditions that pose a likely danger to the property.
Noncompliance (§27-40-720) – If a tenant has breached their lease agreement by causing damage or unhealthy conditions in the rental unit, the landlord can give them fourteen (14) days’ notice to cure the breach. If the tenant does not respond in that time frame, the landlord can enter the unit without notice or tenant consent to conduct any necessary repairs, replacements, or cleaning to resolve the issue.
Periodic Services (§27-40-530(b)(2)) – A landlord may enter a rental unit without notice or consent between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm to provide regularly scheduled services.
Requested Services (§27-40-530(b)(3)) – A landlord may enter a rental unit without notice between 8:00 am and 8:00 pm to conduct services previously requested by the tenant. They must announce their arrival before actually entering the unit.