S.C. Code Ann. § 27-39-30
Effect of payment of rent to grantor or conusor
Operative Text
No tenant shall be prejudiced or damaged by payment of any rent to any grantor or conusor or by breach of any condition for nonpayment of rent before notice shall be given to him of such grant by the conusee or grantee.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-39-30, a tenant who pays rent to the original landlord (the grantor or conusor) before receiving notice that the property or rent obligation has been transferred to a new party (the grantee or conusee) cannot be penalized or held in breach for having done so. The rule essentially protects tenants from being caught in the middle when ownership or a rent assignment changes hands without their knowledge. Any breach-of-condition claim based on nonpayment is similarly barred if the tenant had not yet been notified of the transfer.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers who transfer, assign, or convey rental income rights under a transaction covered by S.C. Code Ann. § 27-39-30 generally ensure that written notice of the change is delivered to tenants before expecting rent to be directed to the new party. Until that notice is given, a compliant operator treats payments made to the prior grantor or conusor as valid and does not pursue breach or nonpayment claims against tenants on that basis. Maintaining clear records of when and how transfer notices are communicated to each tenant helps operators avoid disputes over whether proper notice was provided.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 27-39-30 gives tenants a protective right: if you paid rent to your original landlord before anyone told you that the property or rent obligation had been transferred to a new owner or assignee, that payment is treated as valid and you cannot be penalized or found in breach for it. If a new landlord or assignee attempts to claim you owe unpaid rent for a period before you received notice of the transfer, this provision may be relevant to that dispute. Tenant-rights organizations and legal aid services can help you understand how this protection applies and what general enforcement paths — such as raising the provision as a defense in any legal proceeding — may be available.
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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