Eviction Laws in Greenville, South Carolina
Greenville has transformed into one of the South’s most dynamic mid-sized cities over the past two decades. Anchoring the BMW manufacturing corridor — with BMW’s primary US plant in nearby Spartanburg — Greenville draws a diverse workforce from manufacturing, healthcare, and a growing tech sector. Rapid population growth has driven significant rent increases and a busier Greenville County Magistrate’s Court docket.
Greenville landlords have full access to South Carolina’s landlord-favorable framework: 5-day nonpayment notice or none at all with the statutory bold-text lease language, no deposit cap, and 24-hour removal after the Writ of Ejectment is posted. File at Greenville County Magistrate’s Court — Greenville County has multiple magistrate offices, so confirm the correct location for your property’s address before filing.
Greenville & Greenville County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. South Carolina has no statewide rent control and no statute permitting municipalities to enact it. Greenville cannot cap rent increases. Landlords may raise rent with proper notice at lease renewal.
BMW / Manufacturing Workforce. Greenville’s manufacturing economy creates a generally stable renter base, but plant shutdowns, supplier disruptions, and shift eliminations can trigger sudden income gaps. Document payment history carefully and include clear late fee provisions in every lease.
Multiple Magistrate Jurisdictions. Greenville County has multiple magistrate offices serving different areas of the county. The downtown core, Verdae corridor, and suburban areas may fall under different magistrate districts. Always verify the correct filing location based on the property’s address.
No Local STR Heavy Regulation (Currently). Greenville does not currently impose severe STR licensing restrictions, but the city’s rapid growth means local ordinances are evolving. Verify current STR requirements with the City of Greenville directly before operating short-term rentals.
Greenville County Magistrate’s Court — Where Greenville Landlords File
All eviction (ejectment) filings for Greenville properties are made at the Greenville County Magistrate’s Court — 301 University Ridge, Greenville, SC 29601, phone: (864) 467-8760. 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 Greenville 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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