Do this today
- Write the problem. Date it. Keep photos.
- Open a request with City of Charleston — Livability or dial 311.
- Do not skip rent until legal aid has read the process for your state.
Who inspects a Charleston rental?
City of Charleston — Livability is the local conditions door, and 311 is often how you open a request. An inspector’s dated notice is a different kind of paper than a text to the manager. South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door.
Can I stop paying rent to force the repair?
Sometimes South Carolina law provides a repair-and-deduct or rent-withholding process, and sometimes skipping rent is grounds for eviction. That line is in South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Ask legal aid before you change what you pay.
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.
Who do I call in Charleston if the unit is not livable?
City of Charleston — Livability and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.
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
My landlord in Charleston will not make repairs — what can I do?
Put it in writing. Keep photos. File with City of Charleston — Livability or dial 311. Do not skip rent until legal aid has read South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act with you.
Is 311 enough?
311 opens a City request. It is not a court case and it is not legal aid. Keep the request number. If the unit is dangerous tonight, 911 or the utility first.
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.
Who do I call in Charleston if the unit is not livable?
City of Charleston — Livability and 311 are the local conditions doors. Put the repair in writing and keep photos. South Carolina’s residential act is the book. Charleston Livability is the conditions door. Do not skip rent on a rumor.
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