Do this today
- Write the date, time, and how they entered.
- Ask in writing for notice next time, if that is the rule.
- If it felt like harassment, City of Charleston — Livability or legal aid — not a group chat.
Can a landlord in Charleston enter whenever they want?
Generally no — except that emergencies and the lease can change the picture. South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act is the South Carolina starting point. Write down any entry you believe was improper. South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door.
What if they keep coming in?
A pattern of unannounced entry can be a harassment or privacy problem. City of Charleston — Livability may take a complaint. Legal aid can tell you whether South Carolina gives a specific remedy. Do not change the locks without advice.
Is Charleston the same as the rest of South Carolina for renters?
South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door. Charleston County magistrate court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.
The Charleston layer
South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door.
South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (S.C. Code §§ 27-40-10 to 27-40-940) is the South Carolina floor. We name it. We do not paraphrase a day-count or a dollar cap out of it.
Charleston questions
How much notice does a landlord in Charleston have to give before entering?
That hour-count or day-count is in South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and sometimes in a city rule. This desk does not invent it. Write down what happened and take it to legal aid or City of Charleston — Livability.
Is Charleston the same as the rest of South Carolina for renters?
South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door. Charleston County magistrate court hears possession cases. Dial 311 for City services. Do not import another city’s ordinance.
What number should I call in Charleston?
Danger: 911. Mental-health crisis: 988. City services: 311. Court papers: LawHelp.org the same day. City of Charleston — Livability does not replace legal aid when a case is filed.
National answers on this desk
Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Legal information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. hello@renterprotection.org
