S.C. Code Ann. § 31-21-60
Discrimination in relation to residential real estate-related transactions
Operative Text
(A) It is unlawful for any person or other entity whose business includes engaging in residential real estate-related transactions to discriminate against any person in making available such a transaction, or in the terms or conditions of the transaction, because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. (B) As used in this section, "residential real estate-related transaction" means any of the following: (1) the making or purchasing of loans or providing other financial assistance: (a) for purchasing, constructing, improving, repairing, or maintaining a dwelling; or (b) secured by residential real estate; (2) the selling, brokering, or appraising of residential real property. (C) Nothing in this chapter prohibits a person engaged in the business of furnishing appraisals of real property to take into consideration factors other than race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, or familial status.
Section 31-21-60 of the South Carolina Code prohibits businesses that engage in residential real estate-related transactions — such as making loans, providing financial assistance, selling, brokering, or appraising residential property — from discriminating on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. The rule applies both to whether a transaction is made available at all and to the specific terms or conditions offered. Appraisers, however, are permitted under this section to consider legitimate, non-protected factors when valuing real property.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers involved in residential real estate-related transactions — including financing arrangements, sales, or brokerage — are generally expected under § 31-21-60 to apply consistent, non-discriminatory criteria across all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Compliant operators typically document their decision-making processes and ensure that loan terms, transaction conditions, and pricing are based on objective, lawful factors. Appraisal professionals operating under this section may still rely on legitimate market and property-condition factors that fall outside the protected-class categories.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 31-21-60 gives individuals the right to be free from discrimination in residential real estate-related transactions — including when seeking a home loan, financial assistance, or when a property is being sold, brokered, or appraised. If a person believes they were denied a transaction or offered different terms because of a protected characteristic such as race, sex, handicap, or familial status, general enforcement paths include filing a complaint with a fair housing agency, contacting a tenant- or consumer-rights organization, or consulting with a legal aid provider familiar with South Carolina fair housing law. Individuals may also explore federal remedies, as this provision mirrors protections found in the federal Fair Housing Act.
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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