S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-1480
Penalties
Operative Text
A person who knowingly violates a provision of this article or an order of the department issued pursuant to this article is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, must be fined or imprisoned not more than the maximum allowed by the magistrates' courts in this State. Each day's violation constitutes a separate offense. Isolated lead-based hazard violations existing in dwellings, dwelling units, or childcare facilities must be considered separate violations.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 44-53-1480, knowingly violating any provision of the lead-based paint hazard article—or an order issued by the relevant state department under that article—is classified as a misdemeanor. A conviction can result in a fine or imprisonment up to the maximum permitted in South Carolina magistrates' courts. Importantly, each day a violation continues counts as a distinct offense, and each isolated lead-based hazard found in a dwelling, dwelling unit, or childcare facility is treated as its own separate violation.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers subject to South Carolina's lead-based paint hazard rules should be aware that § 44-53-1480 treats ongoing noncompliance as a compounding liability—every day a violation persists is a new offense, and each distinct lead-based hazard found on a property is counted separately. Compliant operators generally maintain current documentation of lead hazard assessments, promptly address any identified hazards, and follow all departmental orders without delay. Keeping thorough records of remediation efforts and communications with the department is a practice commonly associated with demonstrating good-faith compliance.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section 44-53-1480 establishes that landlords who knowingly fail to address lead-based paint hazards—or who ignore department orders—face misdemeanor criminal liability, with penalties that can accumulate daily and per hazard location. Tenants who believe a landlord is violating South Carolina's lead-based paint hazard rules may consider documenting the conditions, contacting the relevant state department to report the issue, or reaching out to a local tenant-rights organization for guidance on available options. Because each isolated hazard and each day of noncompliance can constitute a separate offense under this provision, the scope of a landlord's potential liability may be significant.
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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