S.C. Code Ann. § 27-35-150
Abandonment of premises
Operative Text
When a tenant abandons premises theretofore occupied by him the landlord may enter and take possession thereof, making distraint as herein provided of any property found thereon, including the property exempt from distress by the provisions of SECTION 27-39-230 and the term of a tenant abandoning premises used and occupied by him as such shall be deemed ended by such abandonment. Absence from the property for fifteen days after default in the payment of rent shall be construed as abandonment.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-35-150, when a tenant leaves rented premises without intending to return, the landlord is permitted to re-enter and take possession of the property. Any personal property found on the premises may be subject to distraint (a legal seizure process described elsewhere in the statute). The tenancy is considered legally ended at the moment of abandonment, and a tenant's absence of fifteen or more days after failing to pay rent is treated as abandonment under this provision.
Plain English — not legal advice.
S.C. Code Ann. § 27-35-150 gives property owners a defined pathway to reclaim possession when a tenant has abandoned the unit. Compliant operators generally document the tenant's absence and any rent default carefully before re-entering, and they follow the distraint procedures referenced in the broader statute when dealing with personal property left behind. Because the fifteen-day absence-after-nonpayment rule creates a legal presumption of abandonment, operators typically maintain clear records of payment status and any communications with the tenant during that period.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 27-35-150 establishes that a landlord may treat a tenancy as ended and re-enter the premises if a tenant is absent for fifteen days following a missed rent payment. Tenants who are temporarily away but still intend to occupy the unit may want to understand how this provision interacts with their lease and any communications they have with their landlord, since the statute creates a presumption that can affect their rights to the unit and any belongings left behind. Tenant-rights organizations in South Carolina can help explain what options may be available if a landlord has re-entered or seized property under this provision.
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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