Locked Out By The Landlord
S.C. Code 27-40-660 — three months' rent or twice the damages, whichever is greater
Ouster or a cut off service. If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes the tenant from the premises, or wilfully diminishes services by interrupting essential services, the tenant may recover possession or end the agreement, and in either case recover three months' periodic rent or twice the actual damages, whichever is greater, plus reasonable attorney's fees.
If the agreement is ended, the landlord returns the deposit the tenant is entitled to recover.
Removing a tenant lawfully goes through the magistrate and the writ of ejectment set out on the eviction page. Whether a particular lockout or shutoff was unlawful is a question for a licensed South Carolina attorney.
Sources for this section (1)
- S.C. Code 27-40-660 — Tenant's remedies for landlord's unlawful ouster or exclusion
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed South Carolina attorney.