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Housing assistance in South Carolina

In South Carolina, federal LIHEAP energy aid is overseen by the SC Office of Economic Opportunity but applied for through local Community Action Agencies by county. Renter rights are set by the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code Title 27, Chapter 40), and state law bars cities and counties from regulating private rents. Public housing and vouchers are run by local and regional housing authorities, the largest being Columbia Housing.

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Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Columbia Housing (Housing Authority of the City of Columbia)ColumbiaPublic housing agencyHousing Authority of the City of CharlestonCharlestonPublic housing agencyThe Greenville Housing AuthorityGreenvillePublic housing agency South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development AuthorityStatewideHousing finance agency Every housing agency in South CarolinaHUD directoryFind agencies serving your area

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in South Carolina

Shelter and referrals

  • SC 211 United Way Association of South Carolina

    Free, confidential 24/7 statewide service that connects residents to local help such as shelter, rent and utility assistance; you can also text your ZIP code to 211-211.

    Call 2-1-1 or 866-892-9211

Energy and utility bills

Free legal help

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in South Carolina

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit.

S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410

Deposit return deadline

Within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant delivers possession and demands the deposit (whichever is later), with a written itemized list of any deductions. A landlord who wrongfully withholds it can owe three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus reasonable attorney's fees.

S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

If rent is not paid within 5 days of the due date, the landlord may end the lease after giving written notice; a conspicuous written notice in the lease can satisfy this requirement (and carries over to a month-to-month tenancy after the original term).

S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-710

Landlord entry notice

Generally at least 24 hours' notice and entry only at reasonable times. Exceptions: announced regularly scheduled services between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., tenant-requested services between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., and emergencies.

S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-530

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control: no county or city may regulate the amount of rent charged for privately owned residential property.

S.C. Code Ann. § 27-39-60

If the landlord won’t make repairs

No general repair-and-deduct right. If a landlord fails to supply essential services required by the lease or law, the tenant may buy reasonable amounts of those services and deduct the actual cost from rent, or recover damages; the statute says it does not authorize making repairs and deducting the cost. For other material noncompliance, a tenant may give written notice ending the lease on a date at least 14 days after the landlord receives it.

S.C. Code Ann. §§ 27-40-610, 27-40-630

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve South Carolina

More local contacts: HUD’s South Carolina resource page.

Next steps

  1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
  2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
  3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
  4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

  1. S.C. Code Title 27, Chapter 40 - Residential Landlord and Tenant ActSouth Carolina General Assembly
  2. S.C. Code Title 27, Chapter 39 - Landlord and Tenant (includes § 27-39-60)South Carolina General Assembly
  3. Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)SC Office of Economic Opportunity
  4. South Carolina Legal ServicesSouth Carolina Legal Services
  5. SC 211United Way Association of South Carolina
  6. Columbia Housing - HistoryColumbia Housing
  7. Housing Authority of the City of CharlestonHousing Authority of the City of Charleston
  8. The Greenville Housing AuthorityThe Greenville Housing Authority