South Carolina Security Deposit Demand Letter (S.C. Code § 27-40-410)
Moved out and still waiting on your deposit? A clear, written demand is usually the first step — and often the last one needed. Answer the questions below and your letter fills itself in as you type.
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[Your forwarding address]
October 15, 2026
[Landlord or property manager name]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [Rental address]
Dear [Landlord or property manager name],
I was a tenant at [Rental address] and moved out on [Move-out date]. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit amount ($)]. So far none of my deposit has been returned, and I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under South Carolina Code § 27-40-410, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written, itemized notice of any deductions, within 30 days after the later of the end of the tenancy and delivery of possession, or the tenant's demand. Please treat this letter as my demand, and send the deposit to the forwarding address above.
Please send [Deposit amount ($)] to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 29, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
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How security deposits work in South Carolina
South Carolina landlords must return the security deposit, minus lawful deductions, within 30 days after the later of two events: the end of the tenancy and delivery of possession, or the tenant's demand for the deposit. The landlord may keep only accrued rent and damages caused by the tenant's failure to meet the tenant's duties under the state landlord-tenant act.
Every deduction must be itemized in a written notice sent with any amount due. Tenants are expected to give the landlord a forwarding or new address in writing. A tenant who doesn't may lose the right to damages if the landlord had no notice of the tenant's whereabouts and mailed the notice to the last known address.
If the landlord fails to return the deposit with the required notice, the tenant may recover three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable legal fees. Landlords with more than four adjoining units who use different deposit standards for different tenants must disclose those standards in advance.
What to do, step by step
Fill in your details
Answer the questions above. Your letter updates live as you type, so you can check every detail before you send it.
Send it in a way you can prove
Mail the letter by certified mail with return receipt and keep the receipt. If your lease lists an email address for notices, send a copy there too.
Wait for a reply
Give your landlord the 14 days stated in the letter. For reference, South Carolina's own deadline under S.C. Code § 27-40-410 is 30 days after move-out.
Gather your evidence
Collect your lease, move-in and move-out photos, any inspection checklist, rent receipts and every message about the deposit.
File in small claims if needed
If the deposit still doesn't come back, you can file in small claims court (South Carolina limit: $7,500 (magistrate court)). Bring this letter and your proof of mailing.
What if the landlord ignores the letter?
Silence doesn't end the matter. Your letter creates a dated record that you asked for the deposit back and gave a reasonable deadline — exactly what a small claims judge will want to see.
In South Carolina, the rules are set out in South Carolina Code of Laws § 27-40-410. If a landlord keeps a deposit without following them, a court may award three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable legal fees.
Small claims court is designed for people representing themselves: filing fees are modest, forms are short, and hearings are informal. In South Carolina the limit is $7,500 (magistrate court), which covers nearly every deposit dispute.
Example South Carolina security deposit demand letter
A filled-in sample with made-up details, so you can see the finished result.
Jordan Rivera
88 Pine Ave, Springfield
October 5, 2026
Oakview Property Management
500 Market St, Suite 200, Springfield
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield
Dear Oakview Property Management,
I was a tenant at 123 Elm St, Apt 4B, Springfield and moved out on August 31, 2026. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of $1,800.00. So far you have returned $300.00, leaving $1,500.00 outstanding.
Under South Carolina Code § 27-40-410, a landlord must return the security deposit, with a written, itemized notice of any deductions, within 30 days after the later of the end of the tenancy and delivery of possession, or the tenant's demand. Please treat this letter as my demand, and send the deposit to the forwarding address above.
I returned all keys on August 31 and took dated photos of every room, which show the unit clean and undamaged apart from normal wear and tear.
Please send $1,500.00 to me at the forwarding address above within 14 days of the date of this letter. If you believe you are entitled to keep any part of the deposit, please send a written, itemized statement of each deduction, with copies of receipts or invoices.
If I have not received the deposit or a proper itemized statement by October 19, 2026, I intend to file a claim in small claims court, where I may ask for three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable legal fees.
I would prefer to resolve this without going to court, and I am keeping a copy of this letter and proof of mailing for my records.
Sincerely,
Jordan Rivera
Frequently asked questions
How long does a South Carolina landlord have to return a deposit?
30 days after the later of the end of the tenancy and your delivery of possession, or your demand for the deposit. This letter works as a written demand and also gives your forwarding address.
Do I need to give my landlord a forwarding address in South Carolina?
Yes. The statute asks tenants to provide a forwarding or new address in writing. Without one, you may lose the right to damages if the landlord mailed the notice to your last known address and had no way to find you.
What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a deposit in South Carolina?
A court can award three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable legal fees. That makes a documented, dated demand like this one especially worthwhile, so keep a copy and proof of mailing.
Where do I sue for a deposit in South Carolina?
Most deposit disputes fit in magistrate court, which hears most civil claims of up to $7,500 and also handles landlord and tenant matters. Bring your lease, move-in and move-out photos, this letter and your proof of mailing.
Do I have to send a demand letter before going to small claims?
Many courts expect you to have asked for the money first, and a written demand is the simplest proof that you did. It also resolves a large share of disputes on its own.
How should I send the letter?
Use a method that gives you proof of delivery, such as certified mail with return receipt. Keep a copy of the letter and the receipt together.
FairLetter is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Letters are templates you customize and send yourself.