Eviction Laws in Anderson, South Carolina
Anderson — “The Electric City” — earned its nickname in the late 1800s when it became one of the first cities in the Southeast to adopt hydroelectric power. Today that pioneering streak shows up in a different way: Anderson is quietly becoming one of the strongest mid-sized rental markets in the South Carolina Upstate, powered by a manufacturing economy that most people outside the I-85 corridor don’t realize exists. The city sits at the western edge of the Greenville-Spartanburg-Anderson metro area with a population of roughly 30,000, serving as the county seat of Anderson County (population ~205,000). It’s an hour from Greenville, two hours from Atlanta, and less than 45 minutes from Clemson University — a geographic sweet spot that feeds both commuter tenants and local workforce demand.
The employer landscape is anchored by manufacturing heavyweights. Michelin North America runs a major tire production facility in the county. Electrolux Home Products operates a large appliance manufacturing plant. Bosch maintains operations in the area. AnMed Health — the county’s single largest employer — runs a 451-bed hospital and multiple regional clinics that together employ thousands. Anderson County hosts 8 corporate headquarters and over 50 international companies, giving the area an outsized global footprint for a city of 30,000. Recent expansions include Eastern Engineered Wood Products ($18.7 million investment, 31 jobs) and Halton MEI USA ($2.6 million, 65 jobs), both choosing Anderson County in 2025. That industrial base creates a stable pool of working tenants who need housing close to their jobs — exactly the kind of demand landlords want.
Rental economics here are compelling. Median rents run around $1,200–$1,250 depending on source and unit type, while median home values sit around $199,600 for the city proper (higher in the county at ~$300,000+). Median household income is $44,321 — below the state average, which means landlords need to screen carefully for ability to pay, but also means the rent-to-income ratio matters and tenants who do qualify tend to stay put because they can’t easily find cheaper options elsewhere. About 49% of Anderson households are renter-occupied — nearly half the city rents, one of the highest ratios in the Upstate outside of Greenville proper. The poverty rate of 22.3% does mean a higher percentage of Section 8 and Housing Choice Voucher tenants; landlords accepting vouchers should understand the Sumter-Anderson housing authority inspection requirements and payment timelines.
South Carolina’s landlord-tenant framework applies fully in Anderson. The 5-day nonpayment notice (or no notice if you include the statutory lease language under S.C. Code § 27-40-710(B)), no security deposit cap, and 24-hour post-judgment removal all apply. Anderson has no rent control, no mandatory rental registration, and no local tenant protections beyond state law. The Anderson County Magistrate’s Court at 2404 North Main Street handles all residential eviction filings.
Anderson & Anderson County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. South Carolina has no statewide rent control and no statute permitting municipalities to enact it. Anderson cannot cap rent increases. Landlords may raise rent with proper notice at lease renewal.
49% renter-occupied — high-volume eviction docket. With nearly half the city renting, the Anderson County Magistrate’s Court sees a steady stream of landlord-tenant filings. Expect heavier dockets in the first two weeks of the month after nonpayment notice periods expire. Filing early in the month when possible gives you a better chance of a faster hearing date. The court operates Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., which is wider hours than many SC Magistrate Courts — use the late hours if you can’t take time off work for daytime filings.
No mandatory rental registration. Neither the City of Anderson nor Anderson County requires landlords to register rental properties. Code enforcement is complaint-driven only. There is no proactive rental inspection program.
Lake Hartwell corridor — recreational rental opportunity. Anderson County borders Lake Hartwell, one of the largest lakes in the Southeast. Properties near the lake command premium rents during summer months and attract both long-term tenants and seasonal renters. If you own lakefront or lake-adjacent rentals, be aware that South Carolina’s accommodations tax applies to short-term rentals under 90 days. Collect and remit state (6%) and local accommodations taxes on any short-term bookings.
Clemson proximity — student rental spillover. Clemson University is less than 25 minutes from downtown Anderson. Some landlords in Anderson’s western corridors rent to Clemson students who want cheaper housing than the Clemson/Central market. Student tenants bring unique considerations: academic-year lease structures, parental guarantors, and higher turnover in May and August. If renting to students, use a guarantor addendum and collect the full security deposit upfront.
Belton Summary Court vacancy — watch for changes. Anderson County operates multiple Magistrate offices across the county. As of early 2026, the Belton Summary Court is vacant and not accepting civil filings until a replacement magistrate is appointed. All Anderson County eviction filings currently route through the main court at 2404 North Main Street. Check with the county before filing if you have a property in the Belton area, as this may change once a new magistrate is seated.
No local STR ordinance. The City of Anderson has not enacted short-term rental legislation. Airbnb and VRBO properties operate under South Carolina’s statewide framework. No city permit required.
Anderson County Magistrate’s Court — Where Anderson Landlords File
Anderson eviction cases are filed at the Anderson County Magistrate’s Court — 2404 North Main Street, Anderson, SC 29621. Phone: (864) 260-4156. Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m. File Form SCCA 732 (Application for Ejectment) and pay the $40 filing fee. The court issues a Rule to Show Cause served on the tenant by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office. If served in person, the tenant has 10 days to respond; if posted on the door, the tenant has 20 days to respond. If uncontested, a default Writ of Ejectment is issued. If contested, a hearing is scheduled — either party may request a jury trial (uncommon in Anderson). After judgment, the Writ of Ejectment is issued; the tenant has 24 hours to vacate after the Writ is posted. If they do not leave, contact the Sheriff’s Office to schedule a physical set-out. Do not change locks, remove belongings, or cut utilities before the Sheriff executes the Writ — self-help eviction is illegal under S.C. Code § 27-40-660.
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