S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-510
Tenant to maintain dwelling unit
Operative Text
A tenant shall: (1) comply with all obligations primarily imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building and housing codes materially affecting health and safety; (2) keep the dwelling unit and that part of the premises that he uses reasonably safe and reasonably clean; (3) dispose from his dwelling unit all ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste in a reasonably clean and safe manner; (4) keep all plumbing fixtures in the dwelling unit or used by the tenant reasonably clean; (5) use in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, and other facilities and appliances including elevators in the premises; (6) not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the premises or knowingly permit any person to do so who is on the premises with the tenant's permission or who is allowed access to the premises by the tenant; (7) conduct himself and require other persons on the premises with the tenant's permission or who are allowed access to the premises by the tenant to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb other tenant's peaceful enjoyment of the premises; (8) comply with the lease and rules and regulations which are enforceable pursuant to SECTION 27-40-520.
Section 27-40-510 of the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act sets out the maintenance and conduct obligations that fall on tenants during a tenancy. Under this provision, tenants are responsible for keeping their unit and shared spaces reasonably clean and safe, properly disposing of waste, maintaining plumbing fixtures, and using building systems and appliances in a reasonable way. The provision also prohibits tenants from deliberately or negligently damaging the property and requires them to ensure that guests they invite or allow access do not disturb neighbors or damage the premises.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under South Carolina law should be aware that § 27-40-510 places affirmative maintenance and conduct duties directly on tenants, which can be relevant when documenting lease violations or assessing responsibility for damage. Compliant operators typically keep clear records of the unit's condition at move-in and move-out, document any reported damage or code violations, and maintain written lease rules that are enforceable under § 27-40-520. When a tenant or their guests cause damage or create disturbances, this provision establishes the statutory baseline against which tenant conduct is measured.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 27-40-510 outlines the responsibilities South Carolina law places on tenants, including keeping the unit clean and safe, disposing of waste properly, and not damaging the property or allowing guests to do so. Understanding these obligations can help tenants avoid lease violations and potential liability for repair costs or lease termination. Tenants who believe a landlord is misapplying this provision—for example, by improperly charging for normal wear and tear—may consider raising the issue as a defense in any legal proceeding, contacting a local tenant-rights organization, or consulting a legal aid office familiar with South Carolina housing law.
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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