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Selling a house with tenants in South Carolina.
South Carolina's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets clear rules for showings, notices and security deposits when a rented home changes hands.
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How it works in South Carolina.
Most residential rentals in South Carolina are covered by the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. It lets a landlord show the home to prospective or actual buyers, with advance notice and at reasonable times. It also spells out what happens to the seller's obligations and the tenant's security deposit when the property is sold, which is worth planning for before you list.
Selling a rented home does not automatically end a lease. Buyers often take the property subject to the existing tenancy, and month-to-month tenancies can be ended only with proper written notice. Keeping tenants informed and respecting their privacy can make showings smoother. A South Carolina real estate attorney can review your lease, explain your notice duties and help you plan the timing.
South Carolina specifics
What to know in South Carolina.
The governing law
Residential rentals in South Carolina are governed by the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, found in Title 27, Chapter 40 of the state code.
Showings with 24 hours' notice
Tenants may not unreasonably refuse entry to show the home to prospective or actual purchasers. Outside of certain service visits, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice of intent to enter, at reasonable times, and may not use access to harass the tenant.
Written notice of the sale matters
A landlord who sells in good faith is released from later lease obligations only after giving the tenant written notice of the conveyance. Until then, the seller can remain responsible under the lease and the Act.
Security deposits follow written notice
The seller stays liable for the security deposit unless it is transferred to the buyer and the tenant is notified in writing. Once that happens, the buyer becomes responsible for returning the deposit under the Act.
Month-to-month tenancies need written notice
Either side can end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice given at least 30 days before the termination date. Week-to-week tenancies require at least seven days' written notice. Fixed-term leases follow their own terms.
This is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules can change and every situation is different, so confirm the details for your case with a South Carolina attorney or the appropriate office.
Your options
There is more than one path.
List with an agent, occupied or after the lease ends
An agent can market the home to the widest group of buyers and coordinate showings with your tenants. Waiting until the home is vacant opens it to buyers who want to live there, but it may mean a period with no rent. Selling while occupied keeps income coming but can make showings harder.
Offer the tenants a chance to buy
Your tenants already know the home and may want to stay for good. If they can get financing, this can be a smoother sale with less disruption for everyone. In some places tenants have specific rights when a rental is sold, so check local rules either way.
Explore offers from investors and professionals
Some investors look for rentals they can keep operating with the current tenants. Through a platform like Doorbloom, you can describe the property and lease situation, hear from interested professionals, and choose whether to talk to anyone. Compare any offer with what a listing might bring before deciding.
How it works
Three clear steps.
- 1
Tell us about your home
Share the address, condition and your timeline. It takes about a minute, and we only ask what is needed for the next step.
- 2
Review who is interested
Real estate investors and professionals review your home. You see who they are before anyone gets your contact details.
- 3
Choose your next step
Talk to the people you want, compare your options, or decide not to sell. There is no pressure and no obligation.
Questions
Questions from South Carolina homeowners.
Does a lease end when a house is sold in South Carolina?
Not automatically. A sale does not by itself cancel a lease, and the Act treats the holder of the landlord's interest as bound by its deposit rules. Buyers often take over existing leases, and an attorney can review your specific lease.
How much notice does a South Carolina landlord need to give for showings?
Under current law, at least 24 hours' notice of intent to enter, at reasonable times. Tenants may not unreasonably refuse entry to show the home to prospective or actual buyers.
What happens to the tenant's security deposit when I sell in South Carolina?
You remain liable for the deposit unless you transfer it to the buyer and notify the tenant in writing. After that, the buyer becomes responsible for it.
Can I end a month-to-month tenancy to sell my South Carolina house?
Under the Act, either party can end a month-to-month tenancy with written notice at least 30 days before the termination date. Leases with fixed terms usually run until they end unless the tenant agrees otherwise.
Is Doorbloom buying my house?
No. Doorbloom is a platform that connects South Carolina homeowners with real estate investors and professionals. Any offer comes from them, and nothing is binding until you sign a purchase agreement.
What does it cost?
Creating an account and telling us about your home is free for homeowners.
Official South Carolina resources
Independent help in South Carolina.
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