S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-370
Rights of persons affected by orders
Operative Text
Any person affected by an order issued by a public officer may within sixty days after the posting and service of the order petition the circuit court for an injunction restraining the public officer from carrying out the provisions of the order and the court may, upon such petition, issue a temporary injunction restraining the public officer pending the final disposition of the cause. Hearings shall be had by the court on such petitions within twenty days or as soon thereafter as possible and shall be given preference over other matters on the court's calendar. The court shall hear and determine the issues raised and shall enter such final order or decree as law and justice may require. In all such proceedings the findings of the public officer as to facts, if supported by evidence, shall be conclusive. Costs shall be in the discretion of the court. The remedies herein provided shall be exclusive remedies and no person affected by an order of the public officer shall be entitled to recover any damages for action taken pursuant to any order of the public officer or because of compliance by such person with any order of the public officer.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-370, anyone affected by a public officer's housing-related order has a 60-day window from the date the order is posted and served to seek judicial review by petitioning the circuit court for an injunction. The circuit court is required to prioritize these hearings, scheduling them within 20 days when possible, and may issue a temporary injunction while the case is pending. Importantly, the factual findings of the public officer carry conclusive weight if supported by evidence, and the judicial remedies provided in this section are the exclusive avenue for relief — meaning no monetary damages can be recovered for actions taken under or in compliance with such an order.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to a public officer's order under S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-370 should be aware that the circuit court petition process is the sole legal remedy available to challenge such orders. Compliant operators typically document all notices received, note the date of posting and service carefully, and track the 60-day petition window. Because factual findings by the public officer are treated as conclusive when supported by evidence, operators generally maintain thorough records of property conditions and any communications with housing officials.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-370 establishes that tenants or other individuals affected by a public officer's housing order have the right to petition the circuit court for an injunction within 60 days of the order being posted and served. This section makes clear that the court process described is the exclusive remedy — no separate damages claim is available for actions taken under a compliant order. Tenants navigating this process may benefit from consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid provider familiar with South Carolina housing law to understand the procedural steps involved.
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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