S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-90
Sale of materials of removed or demolished dwelling
Operative Text
If a dwelling is removed or demolished by a public officer he shall sell the materials of such dwelling and shall credit the proceeds of such sale against the cost of the removal or demolition and any balance remaining shall be deposited in the circuit court by the public officer, shall be secured in such manner as may be directed by such court and shall be disbursed by such court to the persons found to be entitled thereto by final order or decree of such court.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-90, when a public officer removes or demolishes a dwelling, the salvageable materials from that structure must be sold. The proceeds from that sale are first applied to offset the costs of the removal or demolition. Any money left over after those costs are covered must be deposited with the circuit court, held securely as the court directs, and ultimately distributed to whoever the court determines is legally entitled to it.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners whose structures are subject to public-officer removal or demolition under S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-90 should be aware that any value remaining in the building's materials will be liquidated and applied toward demolition costs. If the sale proceeds exceed those costs, the surplus is not simply forfeited — it is held by the circuit court pending a determination of entitlement. Operators and owners with an interest in such a property generally document their ownership and financial interest so they can participate in any court proceeding that determines how the remaining funds are disbursed.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 31-15-90 establishes that when a public officer demolishes a dwelling, any surplus proceeds from the sale of its materials are deposited with the circuit court rather than simply absorbed by the government. Tenants or other parties who believe they have a financial interest in those proceeds — such as a security deposit or prepaid rent tied to the property — may have grounds to appear in the circuit court proceeding that determines who is entitled to the funds. Consulting a tenant-rights organization or legal aid office can help individuals understand what interests, if any, they might assert in that court process.
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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