DisputeKit / States / South Carolina
Your consumer rights in South Carolina
What South Carolina and federal law say about getting a security deposit back, refunds and cancelling subscriptions, with the law cited and a sample letter for each.
Security deposits
30 days. Under South Carolina Code § 27-40-410(a), a landlord must return the security deposit, less any deductions, together with a written notice itemizing the deductions within 30 days. The clock starts when you move out and hand back possession of the unit. Without a written forwarding address you may not get the extra damages if the landlord mailed everything to your last known address. A court may also award three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees, if the landlord fails to return the deposit with the required itemized notice.
Refunds
If a company won't refund you, send a written demand with a clear deadline. If you paid by credit card, you may also be able to dispute the charge: Under the Fair Credit Billing Act, a billing-error dispute must reach the card issuer in writing within 60 days after the first statement showing the charge.
Subscriptions
South Carolina has no automatic-renewal statute. For subscriptions sold online, the federal Restore Online Shoppers' Confidence Act requires a simple way to stop recurring charges, and South Carolina's general consumer protection law applies.
Small claims and complaints in South Carolina
- South Carolina consumer law
- South Carolina Code § 39-5-20 (South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act)
- Where to file a complaint
- South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, Consumer Complaints
- Small claims limit
- $7,500 in magistrates court (South Carolina's small claims court)
- Filing fee
- About $80 in most magistrates courts, which usually includes service; check with your county magistrate