The Meridian Blog

What Charleston Landlords Need to Know About Tenant Evictions in 2025

Even before the COVID pandemic arrived, we believed that avoiding evictions was better business than pursuing them. With careful tenant screening and excellent tenant relationships, we rarely have to evict a tenant that we place in our Charleston rental properties.



The state of South Carolina has made important updates to its eviction laws, including an extended grace period and additional tenant protections. There’s still confusion at times in the courts and among landlords about how to manage nonpaying tenants, but clarity is improving with new legislation.

Let’s talk about evictions in 2025 and how to manage them in both pandemic-era and current circumstances.

Eviction Policies and Tenant Relationships

South Carolina amended Section 27-37-10(B) of the S.C. Code to extend the grace period for nonpayment of rent. Tenants now have ten days to pay overdue rent before landlords can initiate eviction proceedings. Your lease agreement must include a bold and conspicuous statement notifying tenants of this timeline in order to enforce it.

Evictions can still happen for reasons of lease violations, criminal activity, and if the lease term ends but the tenant does not move out. New legislation also protects tenants who are victims of domestic violence, allowing them to terminate leases without penalty within 60 days of an incident.

Landlords who have open communication and positive relationships with their tenants are more likely to avoid eviction proceedings. Payment arrangements should be explored, especially if tenants are going through financial hardship. Maybe accept part of the rent until the tenant is able to pay the full amount again.

Navigating the Eviction Process in Charleston

Charleston has historically had one of the highest eviction rates in the U.S. That’s not a great record, and if you can work something out with your tenant to avoid the eviction process, you should.

If you do need to evict a tenant and regain possession of your property, the process is straightforward if your lease includes the required notice language. With the 2025 updates, tenants have ten days to pay overdue rent after receiving notice. If they don’t pay within that window, the landlord may then file in court.

Charleston County has also implemented a Housing Court system aimed at reducing eviction rates and promoting mediation between landlords and tenants. Participation in mediation may be required before your case proceeds. If your lease lacks the updated notice language, you’ll still need to serve a formal Ten Day Notice after rent is late. This eviction notice must inform the tenant that they must pay the rent in full within ten days or the lease will be terminated and the eviction will be filed in court.

Avoiding the Eviction Process

To best protect your property and avoid the risk of eviction:

• Communicate early and often with tenants.
• Document all interactions, agreements, and payments.
• Work with a Charleston property management company that understands the local laws and can manage the process legally and effectively.

Meridian Can Help

To best protect your property and stay compliant, work with a professional Charleston property management company. The knowledge and resources we provide give owners the peace of mind they need to take care of their rental homes and their tenants.

Contact us at Meridian Residential Group for more information.

Meridian Residential Group in North Charleston provides both single-family and multi-family property management in the Charleston, SC area, including in North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, and Moncks Corner, among other cities.