Important: Homzora is a housing research publisher, not a law firm, and nothing on this page is legal advice. This article is general information about the law as published by government and court sources at the time of writing, and it may not reflect later changes or the facts of your situation. Reading it does not create an attorney and client relationship. For advice about your situation, contact a licensed attorney or a legal aid organization in your state.
In the Greenville, Anderson, and Greer metro area, about 112,600 of 383,800 occupied homes, or 29.3 percent, are rented, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 to 2024 American Community Survey (Homzora Greenville dataset, Table B25003). The median gross rent is $1,150 a month (Homzora Greenville dataset, Table B25064). Every one of those renters is entitled to a home that meets basic standards for safety and health under South Carolina law.
This guide explains what repairs a landlord in Greenville must make, how to give notice the right way, which remedies the law allows, such as repair and deduct, rent escrow, or ending the lease, and which steps can backfire, such as withholding rent where the law does not allow it. It also lists where to report unsafe conditions.
Quick answers
- Duty: keep the home fit and habitable, with running water, hot water, and heat (S.C. Code § 27-40-440).
- Ending the lease: 14 days after written notice if not fixed (S.C. Code § 27-40-610).
- Essential services: after written notice, you may obtain them and deduct the reasonable cost (S.C. Code § 27-40-630).
- Withholding: keep paying rent on time (South Carolina Legal Services, Landlord repairs brochure).
Your landlord’s duty
A South Carolina landlord must comply with codes, make all repairs and do whatever is reasonably necessary to keep the home fit and habitable, keep common areas safe, supply running water, reasonable hot water, and reasonable heat, and keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning systems and supplied appliances working (S.C. Code § 27-40-440).
Your remedies
For a material breach, you can give written notice, and the lease ends at least 14 days after the landlord receives it unless the problem is fixed. You can also seek damages and a court order (S.C. Code § 27-40-610). If the landlord fails to supply an essential service, after written notice you may obtain the service and deduct its actual reasonable cost from rent, or recover damages (S.C. Code § 27-40-630). In a nonpayment case, you generally waive a repair defense for non essential services unless the landlord had notice 14 days before rent was due (S.C. Code § 27-40-640).
Keep paying rent
South Carolina Legal Services tells tenants they still have to pay all rent on time and that health and safety repairs are due within 14 days of notice (South Carolina Legal Services, Landlord repairs brochure). The South Carolina Bar says tenants are not authorized to make repairs unless the landlord authorizes them (South Carolina Bar, Rights and duties of tenants).
Reporting problems in Greenville
In Greenville County, Code Enforcement takes complaints at 864.467.7090 or through the county’s online request form; it does not take anonymous complaints (Greenville County Code Enforcement).
Free help in Greenville
South Carolina Legal Services provides free civil legal help at 1.888.346.5592 (South Carolina Legal Services). For other assistance, call 211 (211.org).
Fair housing
The federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in rental terms because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, or disability (42 U.S.C. § 3604). HUD accepts complaints (HUD, File a Complaint).
How to write a repair request
A clear written request is the foundation of every remedy in this guide. Date it, describe the problem and where it is, say when it started, attach photos, and ask for a repair by a specific reasonable date. Keep a copy and proof of delivery.
Date: 2026. To: [landlord or manager]. Re: Repairs needed at [address, unit]. I am writing to request repair of the following: [describe each problem, its location, and when it began]. Photos are attached. This affects [heat, water, safety, or use of the unit]. Please make the repairs by 2026 and let me know when you will need access. Sincerely, [name, phone].
Emergency or routine?
Problems such as no heat in cold weather, no water, a gas smell, sparking wiring, sewage backups, or a broken exterior lock are emergencies that usually carry shorter deadlines and may justify calling the city right away, or 911 if anyone is in danger. A dripping faucet or a worn carpet is routine. Label your request clearly so the landlord knows which kind it is, and follow up in writing if the problem worsens.
Mistakes to avoid
- Only calling. A phone call rarely proves notice; follow up in writing.
- Stopping rent without following the rules. Unlawful withholding can lead to an eviction.
- Making repairs yourself without checking the limits. Many states cap repair and deduct or require a licensed contractor.
- Refusing access. Let the landlord in at reasonable times with proper notice to make the repair.
- Throwing away damaged property. Photograph it first; it may be evidence.
Document the problem
- Take dated photos and video when the problem starts and as it changes.
- Keep a log of every contact with the landlord, including dates and names.
- Save receipts for anything you spend because of the problem, such as space heaters, hotel stays, or spoiled food.
- Keep copies of inspection reports and notices from the city.
- Note any health effects and any days you could not use part of the home.
Mold, pests, and leaks
Moisture problems tend to spread, so report leaks and visible mold quickly and in writing. Keep the area ventilated, avoid covering mold with paint, and ask the landlord how the source of the moisture will be fixed rather than only the visible damage. For pests, ask what treatment will be used and when, and follow any preparation instructions so the treatment works.
When conditions make you want to move
If the landlord will not make serious repairs, moving out may feel like the only option, but leaving without following your state’s rules can leave you owing rent. Use the notice procedure described above, keep copies, and get advice before you move. If you do leave, photograph the unit, return the keys, and give a forwarding address in writing.
Renter’s insurance
A landlord’s insurance generally covers the building, not your belongings. If a leak, fire, or break in damages your property, renter’s insurance may cover it regardless of whose fault it was. Review your policy for water damage and mold exclusions, and report losses promptly with photos and receipts.
Working with a code inspector
A city or county inspection creates an independent record of the problem. Be home for the visit if you can, point out every issue, and ask the inspector how the landlord will be notified and when a reinspection will happen. Ask for a copy of the report or the case number, and keep it with your repair records. If the landlord fixes only part of the problem, tell the inspector before the reinspection.
Repairs and your security deposit
Problems that you reported and the landlord did not fix should not be charged to you when you move out. Keep your written repair requests and photos until your deposit is fully returned, and point to them if the landlord tries to deduct for the same damage.
Accessibility changes
The federal Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to refuse to let a tenant with a disability make reasonable modifications needed to fully use the home, at the tenant’s expense, and to refuse reasonable accommodations in rules and policies (42 U.S.C. § 3604). Put the request in writing and explain what change is needed.
Following up when nothing happens
- Send a second written request that refers to the first one and its date.
- Ask for a specific date when the repair will be made.
- Contact the local code enforcement office and request an inspection.
- Call a legal aid office or tenant hotline before using any remedy that involves rent.
- Keep living in the home and paying rent as the law requires while you follow these steps.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withhold rent in South Carolina?
South Carolina Legal Services says to keep paying all rent on time (South Carolina Legal Services, Landlord repairs brochure).
Can I end my lease over bad conditions?
Yes, at least 14 days after written notice if the material breach is not fixed (S.C. Code § 27-40-610).
What if my heat is out?
After written notice, you may obtain the essential service and deduct its reasonable cost (S.C. Code § 27-40-630).
Legal notice
Homzora is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Laws, court rules, and local programs change, and how they apply depends on your facts. Before you act on anything in this article, confirm the current rules with the court, a licensed attorney, or a legal aid organization.
Sources
- Homzora Greenville dataset, Table B25003
- Homzora Greenville dataset, Table B25064
- S.C. Code § 27-40-440
- S.C. Code § 27-40-610
- S.C. Code § 27-40-630
- South Carolina Legal Services, Landlord repairs brochure
- S.C. Code § 27-40-640
- South Carolina Bar, Rights and duties of tenants
- Greenville County Code Enforcement
- South Carolina Legal Services
- 211.org
- 42 U.S.C. § 3604
- HUD, File a Complaint