S.C. Code Ann. § 39-5-20
Unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices unlawful; application of federal act
Operative Text
(a) Unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in the conduct of any trade or commerce are hereby declared unlawful. (b) It is the intent of the legislature that in construing paragraph (a) of this section the courts will be guided by the interpretations given by the Federal Trade Commission and the Federal Courts to Section 5(a) (1) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45(a)(1)), as from time to time amended.
Section 39-5-20 of the South Carolina Code declares that unfair methods of competition and unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce are unlawful in the state. South Carolina courts are directed to look to how the Federal Trade Commission and federal courts have interpreted the analogous federal prohibition under the FTC Act when applying this state law. This alignment with federal standards means the provision's reach can evolve as federal interpretations develop over time.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 39-5-20, property owners and managers operating in South Carolina are expected to avoid any conduct in the leasing or management of rental housing that could be characterized as unfair, deceptive, or anticompetitive. Compliant operators generally ensure that advertising, lease terms, fee disclosures, and communications with prospective or current tenants are accurate and transparent. Because courts apply federal FTC Act interpretations to this provision, practices that have been found deceptive under federal standards may carry similar risk under South Carolina law.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 39-5-20 gives tenants a basis to challenge unfair or deceptive conduct by landlords in the rental marketplace, as such practices are declared unlawful under South Carolina law. Tenants who believe they have experienced deceptive acts—such as misleading lease terms, hidden fees, or false advertising—may have recourse through the South Carolina courts or by filing a complaint with the South Carolina Attorney General's consumer protection division. Tenant-rights organizations can help individuals understand how this provision and its federal interpretive framework might apply to a given situation.
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.
Effective Timeline
References Out
No outbound references recorded yet for this provision.
References In
Rules and statutes that cite this regulation