S.C. Code Ann. § 27-35-20
Agreement for more than one year
Operative Text
Any agreement for the use or occupation of real estate for more than one year shall be void unless in writing.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-35-20, any agreement that allows someone to use or occupy real property for a period exceeding one year is legally unenforceable unless it has been reduced to a written document. Oral or informal understandings that extend beyond a one-year term carry no legal weight under this rule. This is South Carolina's application of the Statute of Frauds to real estate occupancy agreements.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-35-20 generally ensure that any lease or occupancy arrangement intended to last more than one year is documented in a signed written agreement before the tenancy begins. Without a written instrument, a landlord cannot rely on the agreed-upon terms—such as rent amount, duration, or conditions—if a dispute arises. Compliant operators typically maintain executed copies of all multi-year agreements for the duration of the tenancy and beyond.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 27-35-20 means that if you have an oral promise or informal understanding for a tenancy lasting more than one year, that arrangement is void under South Carolina law and cannot be enforced by either party. Tenants who believe they have a multi-year agreement should verify whether it exists in writing, as the absence of a written document may affect their ability to assert rights tied to that term. Tenant-rights organizations or legal aid services can help individuals understand how this provision may interact with their specific housing 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.
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