S.C. Code Ann. § 27-35-160
Unlawful abandonment of buildings without notice
Operative Text
Any tenant abandoning a building and leaving it open and exposed to vandalism without giving notice to the landlord of such action shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction, be fined not more than one hundred dollars or be imprisoned for not more than thirty days.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-35-160, a tenant who vacates a building and leaves it open and vulnerable to vandalism—without first notifying the landlord—commits a misdemeanor under South Carolina law. A conviction can result in a fine of up to $100, imprisonment of up to 30 days, or both. The provision is designed to protect rental properties from the risks that arise when a tenant departs without warning and leaves the premises unsecured.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 27-35-160, South Carolina law treats unannounced abandonment that leaves a property exposed to vandalism as a criminal matter, not merely a civil one. Operators who discover a vacated and unsecured property should document the condition thoroughly—photographs, dates, and any communications—since the absence of notice from the tenant is a key element of the offense. Maintaining clear written channels for tenants to report their intent to vacate can help establish whether proper notice was or was not given.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 27-35-160 of the South Carolina Code makes it a misdemeanor for a tenant to leave a building open and exposed to vandalism without notifying the landlord beforehand. Tenants who need to vacate a property—especially on short notice—generally protect themselves by communicating their departure to the landlord in writing and ensuring the premises are secured. Anyone facing a charge under this provision may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or an attorney familiar with South Carolina landlord-tenant law to understand available defenses.
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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