S.C. Code Ann. § 27-47-430
Aesthetic standards; change in standards; notice; burden to show home unsafe, unsanitary, or not in compliance with aesthetic standards
Operative Text
The owner has the burden of proving a manufactured home located in the park is unsafe or unsanitary or fails to meet the park's aesthetic standards. A resident must not be forced to make an aesthetic change to his home's original design which would create undue financial hardship and which is contrary to the terms of the rental agreement during the term of the rental agreement. This section does not prohibit a park from requiring compliance with new or upgraded aesthetic standards which apply generally to homes in the park upon expiration of the lease term or upon a continuance of a tenancy beyond the original term. However, notice of the requirement must be given by the owner to the tenant at least thirty days before the effective date of the change.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 27-47-430, the burden of proving that a manufactured home is unsafe, unsanitary, or fails to meet a park's aesthetic standards falls on the park owner—not the resident. During an active lease term, residents cannot be compelled to make aesthetic changes to their home's original design if those changes would cause undue financial hardship and conflict with the rental agreement's terms. Once a lease expires or a tenancy continues beyond its original term, a park may enforce new or upgraded aesthetic standards that apply park-wide, provided the owner gives residents at least thirty days' written notice before those standards take effect.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Park operators subject to S.C. Code Ann. § 27-47-430 generally maintain documentation sufficient to demonstrate that any cited condition—unsafe, unsanitary, or aesthetically non-compliant—meets the legal standard, since the burden of proof rests with the owner. Compliant operators typically refrain from demanding mid-lease aesthetic modifications that would impose undue financial hardship on residents or contradict existing rental agreement terms. When introducing new or upgraded aesthetic standards at lease renewal or tenancy continuation, operators commonly issue written notice to affected residents at least thirty days before the change becomes effective.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 27-47-430 gives manufactured-home residents meaningful protection against mid-lease aesthetic demands: the park owner must prove non-compliance, and changes that would cause undue financial hardship or contradict your rental agreement cannot be forced on you during the lease term. If a park attempts to impose such changes, residents may raise this provision as a defense in any related proceeding. Tenants who believe their rights under § 27-47-430 are being violated—including receiving less than thirty days' notice of new aesthetic standards—may wish to consult a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office familiar with South Carolina manufactured-home law for information about available options.
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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