S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-100
Funds for enforcement; estimate of amount needed
Operative Text
The governing body of any municipality adopting an ordinance under this article shall as soon as possible thereafter prepare an estimate of the annual expenses or costs to provide the equipment, personnel and supplies necessary for periodic examinations and investigations of the dwellings in such municipality for the purpose of determining the fitness of such dwellings for human habitation and for the enforcement and administration of its ordinances adopted under this article. Any such municipality may make such appropriations from its revenues as it may deem necessary for this purpose and may accept and apply grants or donations to assist it in carrying out the provisions of such ordinances.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-100, once a municipality in South Carolina adopts a housing-fitness ordinance, it is expected to estimate the annual costs needed to staff, equip, and supply the program that inspects dwellings for habitability and administers the ordinance. The municipality may then fund that program from its own revenues and is also permitted to accept grants or donations to help cover those costs. This provision establishes the financial framework that supports local housing inspection and enforcement activity.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners in municipalities that have adopted ordinances under S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-100 should be aware that local governments are authorized—and expected—to fund periodic inspections of dwellings for human habitability. Compliant operators generally maintain their properties in a condition that meets local habitability standards, since the ordinance creates a funded mechanism for ongoing examination and investigation. Staying current with local housing codes reduces the likelihood of adverse findings during those periodic reviews.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-100 requires municipalities that adopt housing-fitness ordinances to estimate and fund the costs of inspecting dwellings and enforcing habitability standards, which means a local inspection program should have dedicated resources behind it. Tenants living in municipalities with such ordinances may have access to a funded local enforcement body that can investigate whether a dwelling meets habitability requirements. General enforcement paths can include contacting the local municipal housing or code-enforcement office, raising habitability conditions as a defense in relevant proceedings, or reaching out to a tenant-rights organization for guidance on 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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