S.C. Code Ann. § 15-7-10
Actions which must be tried where subject matter situated
Operative Text
An action for the following causes must be tried in the county in which the subject of the action or some part of the property is situated, subject to the power of the court to change the place of trial in certain cases as provided in Section 15-7-100: (1) for the recovery of real property or of an estate or interest in real property, for the determination in any form of the right or interest, and for injuries to real property; (2) for the partition of real property; (3) for the foreclosure of a mortgage of real property; (4) for the recovery of personal property distrained for any cause; and (5) for all matters between landlord and tenant pursuant to Chapters 33 through 40 of Title 27 including, but not limited to, an action for (a) possession of land, (b) payment or collection of rent including collection of rent by distraint on a tenant's property, or (c) damage to or destruction of rental property.
S.C. Code Ann. § 15-7-10 establishes that certain legal actions must be filed and heard in the county where the relevant property is located, rather than in a county chosen by either party. This venue rule covers a broad range of property-related disputes, including landlord-tenant matters governed by Title 27, Chapters 33–40, such as eviction proceedings, rent collection actions, and claims for damage to rental property. Courts retain limited authority under § 15-7-100 to transfer a case to a different county in appropriate circumstances.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-7-10, property owners and managers who need to initiate legal proceedings—whether to recover possession of a rental unit, collect unpaid rent, or seek compensation for property damage—generally file those actions in the county where the rental property sits. Compliant operators confirm the correct venue before filing to avoid procedural delays or dismissals that could arise from filing in the wrong county. Awareness of the § 15-7-100 transfer provision is also useful, as courts may shift venue under defined circumstances.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 15-7-10 means that landlord-tenant disputes covered by Title 27, Chapters 33–40—including eviction cases, rent collection actions, and property damage claims—must generally be heard in the county where the rental property is located. If a tenant believes a case has been filed in the wrong county, that procedural issue may be raised as a challenge in the proceeding. Tenants who have questions about venue rules or their rights in a pending action may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with South Carolina procedure.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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