S.C. Code Ann. § 16-11-570
Injury or destruction of buildings or crops by tenant
Operative Text
It is unlawful for a tenant to wilfully and maliciously cut, deface, mutilate, burn, destroy, or otherwise injure a dwelling house, outhouse, erection, building, or crops in his possession. A person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined in the discretion of the court or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.
South Carolina Code § 16-11-570 makes it a criminal offense for a tenant to willfully and maliciously damage, destroy, or otherwise injure a dwelling, outbuilding, other structure, or crops that the tenant occupies or controls. The law covers a broad range of harmful acts, including cutting, defacing, mutilating, and burning. A conviction under this provision is classified as a misdemeanor and can result in a fine set at the court's discretion, imprisonment of up to three years, or both.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 16-11-570, willful and malicious destruction of rental property by a tenant constitutes a criminal misdemeanor, separate from any civil remedies a property owner may pursue. Compliant operators typically document the condition of the property at move-in and move-out with written records and photographs, which can support both civil claims and, if needed, a criminal complaint. Landlords who discover intentional damage generally report the conduct to local law enforcement, as this provision is enforced through the criminal justice system rather than a housing agency.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 16-11-570 establishes that tenants have a legal obligation not to willfully or maliciously damage the dwelling, outbuildings, or crops in their possession, and violations can result in criminal misdemeanor charges. Tenants who are accused of violating this provision have the right to contest the charges through the criminal court process, including the right to legal representation. Those facing allegations under this section may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or a licensed attorney familiar with South Carolina criminal and landlord-tenant law to understand available defenses and procedural rights.
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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