Landlords in South Carolina (and all states) have the responsibility of maintaining their rental units and complying with all building and housing codes affecting health and safety. Although the requirements are generally basic, new landlords should review the statutes that pertain to landlord maintenance responsibilities to ensure they are in compliance with the law.
- Comply with the requirements of applicable building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety.
- Make all repairs and do whatever is reasonably necessary to put and keep the premises in a fit and habitable condition.
- Keep all common areas of the premises in a reasonably safe condition. In buildings with more than four dwelling units, keep the common areas in a reasonably clean condition.
- Make available running water and reasonable amounts of hot water at all times, and reasonable heat.
- Maintain in reasonably good and safe working order and condition all electrical, gas, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances.