S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-350
Standards in ordinances for determining fitness of dwelling for human habitation
Operative Text
An ordinance adopted by the county governing body under this article shall provide that a public officer may determine that a dwelling is unfit for human habitation if he finds that conditions exist in such dwelling which are dangerous or injurious to the health, safety or morals of the occupants of such dwelling, the occupants of neighboring dwellings or other residents in the county. Such conditions may include the following (without limiting the generality of the foregoing): Defects therein increasing the hazards of fire, accidents or other calamities; lack of adequate ventilation, light or sanitary facilities; dilapidation; disrepair; structural defects; uncleanliness. The ordinance may provide additional standards to guide the public officer or his agents in determining the fitness of a dwelling for human habitation.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-350, county governments in South Carolina may adopt ordinances that authorize a designated public officer to declare a dwelling unfit for human habitation. That determination can be made when conditions in the dwelling pose dangers to the health, safety, or morals of occupants, neighbors, or other county residents. The provision offers a non-exhaustive list of qualifying conditions—such as fire hazards, poor ventilation, inadequate light, lack of sanitary facilities, dilapidation, disrepair, structural defects, and uncleanliness—and allows counties to establish additional standards beyond those listed.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in South Carolina counties with ordinances adopted under § 31-15-350 should be aware that a public officer holds authority to inspect and formally declare a dwelling unfit for human habitation. Compliant operators generally maintain dwellings free of fire hazards, structural defects, and sanitary deficiencies, and keep units in a clean, well-ventilated, and adequately lit condition. Because counties may adopt standards beyond those enumerated in § 31-15-350, operators typically review their local ordinance to understand the full scope of conditions that could trigger an unfitness determination.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 31-15-350 of the South Carolina Code establishes a framework under which tenants living in dwellings with dangerous or substandard conditions may have recourse through their county's public officer, who is empowered to formally declare a unit unfit for human habitation. Conditions such as structural defects, fire hazards, poor sanitation, or uncleanliness can form the basis of such a determination. Tenants who believe their dwelling may meet these standards can explore options such as contacting their county's designated public officer or housing authority, documenting conditions, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for general guidance on available enforcement paths under this provision.
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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