S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-660
Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster or exclusion
Operative Text
If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises, or wilfully diminishes services to tenant by interrupting or causing interruption of essential services, the tenant may recover possession or terminate the rental agreement and, in either case, recover an amount equal to three months' periodic rent or twice the actual damages sustained by him, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney's fees. If the rental agreement is terminated the landlord shall return security recoverable under SECTION 27-40-410.
South Carolina Code § 27-40-660 addresses situations where a landlord unlawfully locks out a tenant, removes them from their home, or deliberately cuts off essential services such as heat, water, or electricity. When such conduct occurs, the law provides the tenant with a choice: reclaim possession of the rental unit or end the rental agreement entirely. In either case, the tenant is entitled to the greater of three months' rent or twice their actual damages, plus reasonable attorney's fees, and if the agreement is terminated, the landlord must return any security deposit recoverable under § 27-40-410.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 27-40-660, compliant property owners in South Carolina use only lawful court processes to address tenancy disputes and never resort to self-help measures such as changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities to pressure a tenant to leave. Operators who interrupt essential services — even indirectly — expose themselves to liability for the greater of three months' periodic rent or twice the tenant's actual damages, along with the tenant's attorney's fees. Maintaining documented records of any service interruptions and their causes, and ensuring that any utility shutoffs are the result of third-party provider issues rather than owner action, are practices generally associated with compliance under this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 27-40-660 of the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act gives tenants a legal remedy if a landlord unlawfully locks them out, physically removes them, or deliberately disrupts essential services like water, heat, or electricity. A tenant in this situation may choose to reclaim possession of the unit or terminate the rental agreement, and in either case may seek the greater of three months' rent or twice their actual damages, plus reasonable attorney's fees. Tenants who believe this provision has been violated can document the conduct, contact a local tenant-rights organization or legal aid office for general information, and explore filing a civil claim in South Carolina court.
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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