Eviction Laws in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Myrtle Beach is the tourism and vacation-rental capital of South Carolina, sitting at the center of the Grand Strand in Horry County with a permanent population of roughly 35,700 — but a seasonal population that swells to over 400,000 during peak summer months. The metro area (including Conway and North Myrtle Beach) has nearly 480,000 residents and is one of the fastest-growing MSAs in the country. Median apartment rents range from $1,121 to $1,594 depending on source and season, with rents softening about 1.9% year-over-year as new construction comes online. For landlords, Myrtle Beach presents a unique dual market: year-round residential rentals for local workers and service-industry employees alongside a massive short-term/vacation rental segment governed by different rules. Understanding which framework applies to your property is critical before filing any eviction.
South Carolina’s full landlord framework applies to residential rentals in Myrtle Beach: the 5-day nonpayment notice (or none with the statutory lease language under S.C. Code § 27-40-710(B)), no security deposit cap, and 24-hour post-judgment removal. Myrtle Beach has no rent control (South Carolina has no enabling statute for local rent control). The city does have its own short-term rental ordinance — properties rented for fewer than 90 consecutive days require a City of Myrtle Beach business license and must comply with the city’s accommodation tax requirements. This is separate from the residential eviction process.
Myrtle Beach & Horry County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. South Carolina has no statewide rent control and no statute permitting municipalities to enact it. Myrtle Beach cannot cap rent increases. Landlords may raise rent with proper notice at lease renewal.
Short-term rental licensing required. Unlike most SC cities, Myrtle Beach does regulate short-term rentals. Properties rented for fewer than 90 consecutive days require a City of Myrtle Beach business license, must collect and remit the city’s 3% accommodations tax (on top of state and county taxes), and must comply with the city’s rental property standards. Long-term residential leases (90+ days) are not affected by these STR requirements and follow the standard SC Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Seasonal tenant turnover — plan your timing. Myrtle Beach’s tourism economy creates seasonal patterns in eviction filings. The Horry County Magistrate’s Court docket is heaviest from late spring through early fall when seasonal lease disputes spike. Filing during off-peak months (October–March) typically results in faster hearing dates. Also note that many tenants in the hospitality sector have irregular income — verify employment and income carefully during screening.
Multiple Magistrate Courts in Horry County. Horry County has several Magistrate Court locations. Most Myrtle Beach evictions are filed at the Myrtle Beach Magistrate’s Office at 1101 Oak Street, but the main Horry County Courthouse is in Conway (1301 Second Avenue). Confirm which court handles your area before filing.
Horry County Sheriff service rules. The Horry County Sheriff’s Office requires that a tenant be either personally served or that the eviction notice be posted on the property on two separate occasions. Wait at least five days after filing with the Magistrate’s Office before contacting the Sheriff about service of your papers.
Horry County Magistrate’s Court — Where Myrtle Beach Landlords File
Eviction (ejectment) filings for Myrtle Beach properties are typically made at the Myrtle Beach Magistrate’s Office — 1101 Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, phone: (843) 915-5290. The main Horry County Courthouse is at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. 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 Horry 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 (rare). After judgment, the Writ of Ejectment is issued; the tenant then has 24 hours to vacate after the Writ is posted. If they do not leave, contact the Horry 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. The courthouse enforces a dress code (no shorts, tank tops, or flip-flops) and prohibits cell phones and weapons inside courtrooms.
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