S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-110
Effect of verdict for defendant
Operative Text
If the verdict be for the defendant then the tenant shall remain in possession until (a) the termination of his tenancy by agreement or operation of law, (b) failure or neglect to pay rent or (c) ejected in another proceeding under this chapter or by the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-110, when a jury or court returns a verdict in favor of the defendant-tenant in an ejectment or summary eviction proceeding, the tenant is entitled to remain in the rental property. That right of continued possession lasts until one of three specific circumstances arises: the tenancy ends by mutual agreement or by operation of law, the tenant fails or neglects to pay rent, or the tenant is removed through a separate legal proceeding under the same chapter or by a court of competent jurisdiction. In short, a defendant's verdict does not permanently insulate a tenancy—it restores the status quo while leaving open defined pathways for future termination.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under South Carolina law should understand that a verdict for the tenant under § 27-37-110 does not permanently foreclose future action. A compliant operator generally continues to monitor whether any of the three statutory conditions—agreement, operation of law, nonpayment of rent, or a new legal proceeding—subsequently arise before initiating any further removal effort. Operators typically document rent payment records carefully after such a verdict, since nonpayment remains one of the enumerated grounds that can support a new proceeding under this chapter.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 27-37-110 of the South Carolina Code provides tenants with a clear right to remain in possession following a verdict in their favor in a covered proceeding. Tenants in this situation generally benefit from understanding that this protection is not unconditional—continued possession depends on keeping rent current and not triggering another statutory ground for removal. Tenants who believe a landlord is attempting to remove them in violation of this provision may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with South Carolina landlord-tenant law to understand available options.
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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