South Carolina Mandatory Rental Disclosures

1. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

If this property was built before 1978, the following applies:

• Month2Month will disclose any known lead-based paint or lead-based paint hazards in the property prior to lease execution.
• Month2Month will provide all available records and reports pertaining to lead-based paint in the property.
• The tenant will receive a copy of the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home."

For more information: National Lead Information Center at 1-800-424-LEAD (5323) or www.epa.gov/lead.

2. Security Deposit

Deposit Limits

South Carolina law does not impose a statutory cap on the amount of a security deposit. The security deposit amount for your rental unit is specified in your lease agreement.

Holding Requirements

Pursuant to S.C. Code §27-40-410, the landlord is not required to place the security deposit in a separate escrow account or to pay interest on the deposit. However, Month2Month holds all security deposits in a dedicated account as a best practice.

Permitted Uses

Your security deposit may be used for: unpaid rent; damage to the rental unit caused by the tenant beyond normal wear and tear; and other amounts owed by the tenant pursuant to the rental agreement or applicable law.

Return of Deposit

Pursuant to S.C. Code §27-40-410(a), within 30 days after the termination of the tenancy and the tenant's vacating the premises, Month2Month will return the security deposit to the tenant or provide a written itemization of the amounts withheld, together with the reasons for withholding, and return any remaining balance.

Move-Out Notice Requirement

To receive a refund of the security deposit, the tenant must provide a forwarding address in writing to the landlord at the time of or after vacating the premises. The landlord is not obligated to return the deposit until the tenant provides a forwarding address.

Disputes

If you dispute any deduction from your security deposit, contact Month2Month in writing within 7 days. If the dispute cannot be resolved, you may file a claim in magistrate court (small claims court) in the county where the property is located.

3. Landlord Identity and Address Disclosure

Pursuant to S.C. Code §27-40-420, the landlord or any person authorized to enter into a rental agreement on the landlord's behalf must disclose to the tenant in writing at or before the commencement of the tenancy:

• The name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises.
• The name and address of an owner of the premises, or a person authorized to act for and on behalf of the owner, for purposes of service of process and for the purpose of receiving notices and demands.

These disclosures must be kept current. The landlord must inform the tenant of any changes to this information.

Your lease agreement contains the specific owner information, property manager contact information, emergency maintenance contact, and the person authorized to receive service of process for your property. Month2Month serves as the property manager for all properties in our portfolio.

General Contact: [email protected]

4. Move-In / Move-Out Inspection

While South Carolina law does not specifically mandate a formal move-in inspection checklist, the security deposit statute (S.C. Code §27-40-410) requires that the landlord provide an itemized accounting of any amounts withheld from the deposit. Conducting a thorough move-in inspection is essential to establishing the baseline condition of the property.

Move-In Inspection Process

1. Month2Month will conduct a thorough inspection and document the condition of all areas of the property, including walls, flooring, fixtures, appliances, and furnishings.
2. The inspection will be documented in writing and supplemented with photographs.
3. You will receive a copy of the move-in condition report at or shortly after move-in.
4. Both parties will sign the move-in condition report. If you disagree with any item, note your objection on the report before signing.

Move-Out Inspection

At the end of your tenancy, Month2Month will conduct a move-out inspection and compare the condition of the property against the move-in report. You are entitled to be present during the move-out inspection if you request it. Any damage beyond normal wear and tear will be documented and may result in deductions from your security deposit.

5. Flooding and Flood Zone Disclosure

South Carolina is particularly susceptible to flooding due to its coastal geography, low-lying terrain, and exposure to hurricanes and tropical storms. While South Carolina does not have a specific state statute requiring landlords to disclose flooding history, Month2Month discloses the following as a best practice and in the interest of tenant safety.

If this property is located in a FEMA-designated special flood hazard area, or has experienced flooding or flood-related damage, this information will be disclosed in your lease agreement or a property-specific addendum.

Hurricane and Flood Preparedness

• Know your evacuation zone and evacuation routes. Visit www.scemd.org for maps and information.
• Sign up for emergency alerts through your county emergency management agency.
• Maintain an emergency supply kit with water, food, medications, flashlights, and important documents.
• If ordered to evacuate, do so immediately. Do not wait for conditions to worsen.
• Renter's insurance may or may not cover flood damage to personal property — check your policy carefully.

For detailed flood zone information, visit the FEMA Flood Map Service Center at https://msc.fema.gov/portal.

6. Mold Disclosure

While South Carolina does not have a specific statute requiring mold disclosure, Month2Month discloses the following information as a best practice to protect tenant health and safety.

Mold can cause health problems, especially for people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems. You have a right to know about mold in your rental unit and how to prevent it.

Month2Month is not aware of any mold in the rental property that exceeds permissible exposure limits or poses a health threat at the time of your lease. If mold is discovered during your tenancy, Month2Month will take appropriate remediation action.

Tenant Responsibilities to Prevent Mold

1. Ventilate your home: Open windows regularly, use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, and ensure air circulation. South Carolina's humid climate makes ventilation particularly important.
2. Control moisture: Wipe up spills and leaks immediately, do not let water accumulate, and report any leaks or water damage to Month2Month immediately.
3. Use heating and air conditioning: Maintain reasonable temperatures and use climate control systems to reduce humidity. Keep indoor humidity below 60%.
4. Clean regularly: Regular cleaning prevents mold from establishing itself.
5. Report problems immediately: If you see mold, smell musty odors, or notice water damage, report it to Month2Month right away.

Under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code §27-40-440), the landlord must maintain the rental property in a fit and habitable condition. If mold develops due to landlord negligence (such as failure to repair leaks), the landlord is responsible for remediation.

7. Bed Bug Disclosure

While South Carolina does not have a specific statute mandating bed bug disclosure, Month2Month provides the following information as a best practice.

Identification

Bed bugs have six legs and flat bodies about 1/4 inch long, ranging from red-brown to copper colored. They do not fly but move quickly over surfaces. They hide in mattress seams, box springs, bed frames, headboards, furniture crevices, baseboards, and wall cracks. They feed on human blood at night.

Signs of Infestation

Look for small blood stains on sheets, dark spots (excrement) on mattresses or walls, shed skins, and a sweet musty odor. Bites may appear as red, itchy welts in a line or cluster, though some people do not react.

Prevention

• Inspect your mattress, box spring, and bed frame regularly.
• When traveling, inspect hotel rooms and luggage before returning home.
• Do not bring used mattresses or upholstered furniture into the home without thorough inspection.
• Reduce clutter to eliminate hiding places.

Month2Month has no knowledge of any bed bug infestation in your specific rental unit. If Month2Month becomes aware of bed bug infestation during your tenancy, you will be notified immediately, and professional treatment will be arranged.

8. Smoke Detectors

Pursuant to S.C. Code §5-25-1330, smoke detectors are required in all residential rental properties in South Carolina. Additionally, S.C. Code §27-40-440(a)(7) requires the landlord to maintain in good and safe working order all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances, including smoke detectors.

All Month2Month rental properties are equipped with operable smoke detectors installed in compliance with South Carolina law and applicable building codes.

Installation Locations

Smoke detectors are installed in each sleeping room, outside each sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of the bedrooms, and on every level of the dwelling, including basements. For properties with fuel-burning appliances, carbon monoxide detectors are also provided as a best practice.

Tenant Responsibilities

• Do not disable, disconnect, cover, or tamper with any smoke detector or carbon monoxide detector. Tampering with a smoke detector is a violation of South Carolina law.
• Test all devices monthly by pressing the test button.
• Report immediately if any device is chirping, not functioning, or missing.
• Do not remove batteries.
• Pursuant to S.C. Code §5-25-1340, tenants are responsible for notifying the landlord in writing of any deficiencies in smoke detectors. The tenant must not remove or tamper with a smoke detector.

Month2Month is responsible for ensuring all devices are operable at the beginning of each tenancy and will maintain and replace smoke detectors as needed throughout the tenancy.

9. Uninsured Property Notice

South Carolina is subject to natural hazards including hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, tornadoes, and severe thunderstorms. Renter's insurance is generally affordable and provides important financial protection. Standard renter's insurance typically does not cover flood damage — a separate flood insurance policy is recommended if the property is in or near a flood zone.

Month2Month will disclose in your lease agreement whether the landlord maintains insurance on the rental property and the extent of coverage.

10. Domestic Violence Protections

Protection from Eviction Based on Domestic Violence Calls

Pursuant to S.C. Code §27-40-730, a landlord may not terminate a tenancy, refuse to renew a rental agreement, or bring an action for possession solely because the tenant or a member of the tenant's household was a victim of a crime, including domestic violence, at the rental property. A landlord may not penalize a tenant for contacting law enforcement or emergency services in connection with domestic violence or another criminal act.

Right to Request Lock Changes

A tenant who is a victim of domestic violence and has obtained an order of protection may request that the landlord change the locks to the dwelling unit. Month2Month will accommodate such requests within a reasonable time upon receiving a copy of the protective order.

Early Lease Termination

While South Carolina law provides limited statutory early termination rights for domestic violence victims, tenants who have obtained a protective order and need to relocate for safety reasons should contact Month2Month to discuss available options. Month2Month will work with victims to find reasonable solutions consistent with applicable law.

Confidentiality

Month2Month will maintain the confidentiality of any information provided by a tenant who is a victim of domestic violence. Documentation provided will be kept in a secure file and will not be disclosed to third parties except as required by law.

Resources

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
• SC Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: www.sccadvasa.org
• SC Legal Aid: www.sclegal.org
• SC Victim Assistance Network: www.scvan.org
• SC 211 Helpline: Dial 211

11. Furnished Property Disclosure

All Month2Month rental properties are provided fully furnished. All furniture, appliances, fixtures, and household items in the property are the property of Month2Month or the property owner and are provided for your use during the term of your lease.

Your Responsibilities

• Maintain all furnished items in the same condition as received, allowing for ordinary wear and tear.
• Use all items for their intended purpose only.
• Do not remove any furnished items from the property.
• Report any damage to furnished items within 48 hours of discovery.
• Do not repair or replace items yourself without prior written approval.

Damage vs. Normal Wear and Tear

Replacement Responsibility

• Tenant-caused damage: Tenant is responsible for the cost of repair or replacement (at depreciated value) of items damaged beyond normal wear and tear. Costs may be deducted from the security deposit.
• Missing items: Tenant is responsible for full replacement cost.
• Normal wear items: Month2Month replaces items that reach end-of-life through normal use.
• Appliance malfunction: If an appliance fails due to normal use or age, Month2Month is responsible for repair or replacement.

Cleaning Standards

The property must be returned in the same level of cleanliness as at move-in. Maintain the kitchen, bathrooms, floors, furniture, and linens in clean condition throughout your tenancy. If professional cleaning is required beyond what is attributable to normal wear and tear, cleaning costs may be deducted from the security deposit.

Inventory

A detailed furniture and household inventory checklist will be provided at move-in. Month2Month will document the condition of all items through photography. You will receive a copy of the move-in condition report.

12. Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Your Rights

1. Habitable Housing: Pursuant to S.C. Code §27-40-440, the landlord must maintain the rental property in a fit and habitable condition, including complying with applicable building and housing codes, keeping the property in reasonable repair, maintaining common areas in a clean and safe condition, and providing running water, reasonable amounts of hot water, and reasonable heat.
2. Privacy: Pursuant to S.C. Code §27-40-530, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' notice before entering your unit (except in emergencies) and may only enter at reasonable times for specific lawful purposes including inspections, repairs, and showings to prospective tenants.
3. Return of Security Deposit: Your deposit must be returned within 30 days after move-out, with an itemized statement of any deductions. (S.C. Code §27-40-410)
4. Freedom from Discrimination: You cannot be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, or any other protected class under the federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §3604) and the South Carolina Fair Housing Law (S.C. Code §31-21-10 et seq.).
5. Freedom from Retaliation: Pursuant to S.C. Code §27-40-590, the landlord may not retaliate against you for complaining to a governmental agency about code violations, complaining to the landlord about needed repairs, or organizing or joining a tenant organization.
6. Repairs and Maintenance: If the landlord fails to maintain the property in habitable condition, you may have remedies available under S.C. Code §27-40-610 et seq., including the right to give written notice of the defect and, if the landlord fails to remedy the condition within 14 days, the right to terminate the rental agreement.
7. Protection from Unlawful Eviction: The landlord must follow proper legal procedures and cannot use "self-help" eviction methods such as changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing your belongings. (S.C. Code §27-40-660)
8. Reasonable Accommodations: Under the federal Fair Housing Act, tenants with disabilities have the right to request reasonable accommodations and reasonable modifications to enable equal enjoyment of the rental property.

Your Responsibilities

Pursuant to S.C. Code §27-40-510, the tenant shall:

1. Pay rent in full and on time.
2. Comply with all obligations imposed on tenants by applicable building and housing codes.
3. Keep the unit clean and sanitary.
4. Dispose of all ashes, rubbish, garbage, and other waste in a clean and safe manner.
5. Keep all plumbing fixtures as clean as their condition permits.
6. Use all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and other facilities and appliances in a reasonable manner.
7. Not deliberately or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the premises or permit any person to do so.
8. Conduct yourself and require others on the premises with your consent to conduct themselves in a manner that will not disturb the neighbors' peaceful enjoyment.
9. Allow reasonable access for repairs and inspections with proper notice.
10. Comply with all lease terms including occupancy limits, pet policies, and use restrictions.

South Carolina Eviction Process

South Carolina law requires the landlord to follow specific legal procedures to evict a tenant. A landlord may not engage in "self-help" evictions. The process includes:

1. Written notice: For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must provide five days' written notice demanding payment before filing for eviction. For other lease violations, the landlord must provide 14 days' written notice specifying the breach and allowing the tenant an opportunity to remedy the violation.
2. Filing an ejectment action in the magistrate court of the county where the property is located.
3. Service of the summons and complaint on the tenant.
4. A court hearing where both parties may present their case.
5. A writ of ejectment issued by the court if the landlord prevails.

Resources

• SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center: www.scjustice.org
• South Carolina Legal Aid: www.sclegal.org
• SC Bar Lawyer Referral Service: www.scbar.org
• Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Fair Housing Hotline (HUD): 1-800-669-9777