Evicting a bad tenant in South Carolina costs ~$6,340.
How South Carolina handles evictions
Low filing fee; quick magistrate process.
Most of that loss is preventable.
Bad tenants almost always leave a paper trail, the problem is that most landlords don't check carefully. Here's what a proper screening catches before you sign the lease.
South Carolina eviction cost FAQ
How much does it cost to evict someone in South Carolina?
TenantFort estimates a contested eviction in South Carolina at around $6,340 all-in: a $40 filing fee, roughly 1 months of lost rent ($1,300 at a typical $1,300/mo), plus legal fees, property damage beyond the deposit, and turnover costs, using national planning figures for those three. Uncontested cases cost less.
How long does an eviction take in South Carolina?
Roughly 25 days (~4 weeks) from notice to lockout, as an estimate; contested cases take longer. Low filing fee; quick magistrate process.
How much is the eviction filing fee in South Carolina?
$40, filed with the Magistrate Court. Service, writ, and execution fees are typically extra and vary by county/court.
What court handles evictions in South Carolina?
Evictions in South Carolina are handled by the Magistrate Court.
Sources & methodology
The filing fee is the Magistrate Court's published fee; it has not yet been checked against the official fee schedule for this page, so confirm it with the court before you file. The timeline and typical rent are estimates. Property damage ($2,500), legal fees ($1,000) and turnover ($1,500) are round planning figures, the same for every state, not costs measured in South Carolina. Real costs vary by county, whether the tenant contests, and the market.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Consult a local attorney for your specific situation.