S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-50
Standards in ordinances for determining fitness of dwelling for human habitation
Operative Text
An ordinance adopted by a municipality 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 of such municipality. Such conditions may include the following (without limiting the generality of the foregoing): Defects therein increasing the hazards of fire, accident 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. § 31-15-50, South Carolina municipalities are authorized to adopt ordinances empowering a designated public officer to declare a dwelling unfit for human habitation. That determination can be triggered by conditions that pose dangers to the health, safety, or morals of occupants, neighbors, or other residents — including fire hazards, poor ventilation, inadequate light, lack of sanitary facilities, dilapidation, disrepair, structural defects, or uncleanliness. The list of qualifying conditions is illustrative, not exhaustive, and local ordinances may establish additional standards beyond those named in the statute.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating in South Carolina municipalities should be aware that § 31-15-50 gives local governments the authority to empower a public officer to inspect and declare dwellings unfit for human habitation. Compliant operators generally maintain their properties free of fire hazards, structural defects, and sanitary deficiencies, and ensure adequate ventilation and lighting throughout occupied units. Because local ordinances adopted under this article may impose standards beyond those listed in the statute, operators typically review their municipality's specific code to understand the full scope of fitness requirements that apply to their properties.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 31-15-50 of the South Carolina Code establishes the framework under which a municipal public officer can formally find a dwelling unfit for human habitation based on conditions such as structural defects, fire hazards, poor sanitation, or uncleanliness. Tenants who believe their dwelling may meet these criteria can document the conditions and report them to the relevant local housing or code enforcement office, which administers ordinances adopted under this provision. Tenant-rights organizations in South Carolina can also help residents understand what local standards apply in their municipality and what options may be available when substandard conditions are present.
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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