Eviction Laws in Columbia, South Carolina
Columbia is South Carolina’s state capital and largest city, home to the University of South Carolina and a renter population that skews young and cost-burdened. Per Eviction Lab data, Columbia has historically ranked among the highest eviction-filing mid-sized cities in the United States — a product of rising rents, stagnant incomes, and one of the most landlord-favorable state eviction frameworks in the country.
South Carolina law governs every eviction in Columbia. Landlords here benefit from a 5-day nonpayment notice period (or no notice at all if your lease contains the required statutory bold-text language), no security deposit cap, and a 24-hour post-judgment removal window — one of the fastest in the nation. File Form SCCA 732 at Richland County Magistrate’s Court and pay $50 total. Most uncontested cases resolve in 4–9 weeks.
Columbia & Richland County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. South Carolina has no statewide rent control and no statute permitting municipalities to enact it. Columbia cannot cap rent increases. Landlords may raise rent with proper notice at lease renewal.
USC Student Market. The University of South Carolina generates massive seasonal rental demand. Lease-end ejectments spike in May–August. Ensure your lease does not contain any landlord-side notice-to-vacate obligations that could delay filing at term end — no notice is required when a fixed-term lease expires.
Two-County Jurisdiction. Columbia straddles Richland and Lexington counties. Confirm which county Magistrate’s Court has jurisdiction over your property’s address before filing. Filing in the wrong county can result in dismissal.
Fort Jackson. Fort Jackson — the Army’s largest basic training installation — is located in Columbia. Active-duty tenants have SCRA early termination rights. Always verify military status before initiating eviction proceedings against any tenant.
Richland County Magistrate’s Court — Where Columbia Landlords File
All eviction (ejectment) filings for Columbia properties are made at the Richland County Magistrate’s Court — 1701 Main St, Columbia, SC 29201, phone: (803) 576-1990. Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.. File Form SCCA 732 (Application for Ejectment) and pay the $40 filing fee. The court will issue a Rule to Show Cause served on the tenant by a sheriff’s deputy; the tenant has 10 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. After judgment, the Writ of Ejectment is issued within 5 days; the tenant then has 24 hours to vacate after the Writ is posted. If they do not leave, contact the Richland County 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 and exposes you to civil liability.
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