S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-160
Execution of writ of ejectment
Operative Text
In executing a writ of ejectment, the constable or deputy sheriff shall proceed to the premises, present to the occupants a copy of the writ and give the occupants twenty-four hours to vacate voluntarily. If the occupants refuse to vacate within twenty-four hours or the premises appear unoccupied, the constable or deputy sheriff shall announce his identity and purpose. If necessary, the deputy sheriff, but not a constable, may then enter the premises by force, using the least destructive means possible, in order to effectuate the ejectment. If the premises appear to be occupied and the occupant does not respond, the constable or deputy sheriff shall leave a copy of the writ taped or stapled at each corner and attached at the top of either the front or back door or in the most conspicuous place. Twenty-four hours following the posting of the writ, if the occupants have not vacated the premises voluntarily, the deputy sheriff, but not a constable, may then enter the premises by force, using the least destructive means possible, in order to effectuate the ejectment. Discretion may be exercised by the constable or deputy sheriff in granting a delay in the dispossession of ill or elderly tenants.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-160, when a writ of ejectment is issued, a constable or deputy sheriff must go to the property and give occupants a copy of the writ along with 24 hours to leave voluntarily. If occupants refuse or do not respond, specific procedures govern how and when law enforcement may enter—including posting the writ visibly on the door and, after another 24-hour period, potentially using force to carry out the ejectment. Only a deputy sheriff (not a constable) is authorized to use force to enter, and that force must be the least destructive means possible; the provision also allows officers some discretion to delay removal of ill or elderly tenants.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-160, the ejectment process is carried out by law enforcement, not by the landlord directly—compliant property owners obtain a valid writ and then allow the constable or deputy sheriff to execute it according to the statutory procedure. Landlords generally avoid taking any self-help measures, such as removing belongings or changing locks, and instead rely on the officer to present the writ, observe the 24-hour notice periods, and handle any necessary entry. Being aware that officers have discretion to grant delays for ill or elderly occupants helps operators set realistic timelines for regaining possession of the property.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-160 establishes that occupants must receive a copy of the writ and a 24-hour opportunity to leave voluntarily before any further action is taken, and that forcible entry can only be carried out by a deputy sheriff—not a constable—using the least destructive means available. Tenants who are ill or elderly may be eligible for a delay in removal at the officer's discretion under this same provision. Occupants who believe the writ was improperly issued or that the ejectment procedure was not followed correctly may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office to understand what options may be available to them.
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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