Eviction Laws in North Charleston, South Carolina
North Charleston is South Carolina’s third-largest city and a distinct municipality from Charleston, with its own government, police department, and economic identity. Anchored by Boeing’s 787 manufacturing facility and Joint Base Charleston, it has a workforce-oriented rental market with lower average rents than downtown Charleston and a stable, employment-driven tenant pool.
South Carolina’s eviction framework applies identically in North Charleston: 5-day nonpayment notice (or none with the statutory lease language), no deposit cap, and 24-hour removal after the Writ of Ejectment is posted. File at Charleston County Magistrate’s Court — confirm the specific magistrate office for your property’s ZIP code, as Charleston County routes filings by address.
North Charleston & Charleston County — Local Rules That Affect Landlords
No rent control. South Carolina has no statewide rent control and no statute permitting municipalities to enact it. North Charleston cannot cap rent increases. Landlords may raise rent with proper notice at lease renewal.
SCRA — Joint Base Charleston. Joint Base Charleston is a major military installation. Active-duty tenants have SCRA early termination rights — use the Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) online tool to verify status before filing any eviction against a potentially military tenant.
Boeing / Workforce Market. North Charleston’s Boeing economy creates a stable core of employed renters, but plant shutdowns and supplier disruptions can cause sudden income gaps. Document payment history carefully and include late fee provisions in every lease.
Local Rental Registration. North Charleston has enacted rental registration requirements in some areas. Verify whether your property is subject to local registration or inspection obligations — non-compliance can complicate eviction proceedings.
Charleston County Magistrate’s Court — Where North Charleston Landlords File
All eviction (ejectment) filings for North Charleston properties are made at the Charleston County Magistrate’s Court (North Charleston) — 5179 Lacross Rd, North Charleston, SC 29406, phone: (843) 202-6690. 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 Charleston 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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