National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in South Carolina?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in South Carolina finish in about 3 to 5 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

If the tenant contests: Contested cases, or those needing substitute service, take longer.

The South Carolina eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    5 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    5-day nonpayment notice (unless satisfied by lease clause)

    From our guide: “Five-day nonpayment notice (unless already satisfied by a lease clause): 5 days”

  2. 2Court case

    10 to 20 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Service up to 10 days, then tenant's 10 days to appear

    From our guide: “Filing to service of the rule to vacate or show causeVaries; up to about 10 days if substitute service by posting and mail is needed” and “Tenant's period to appear and show cause: 10 days”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    6 to 7 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ within 5 days of judgment; 24 to 48 hours to vacate

    From our guide: “Writ of ejectmentWithin 5 days of judgment” and “Officer's notice to vacate before forcible entry: 24 hours, sometimes a further 24 hours if the writ had to be posted”

What can slow it down

  • If the tenant does not appear within the 10-day show-cause period, the magistrate issues the warrant of ejectment without a further hearing.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full South Carolina eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

South Carolina scores 10 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (most landlord-friendly).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed South Carolina attorney before acting.