Aiken County, South Carolina: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Aiken Summary Court in Aiken. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: set by the court; see its fee table. Claims up to $7,500. South Carolina return time: 30 calendar days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $983. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Aiken Summary Court |
|---|---|
| City | Aiken |
| Address | 227 Gateway Drive, Suite 133, Aiken, SC 29803-9193 |
| Phone | (803) 652-3609 |
| Statewide filing fee | Current court fee schedule |
| Small claims limit | $7,500 (magistrate court (statewide civil jurisdiction commonly used) only) |
| State deposit return deadline |
|
| Time limit to sue | 3 years |
| Deposit statute | S.C. Code Ann. § 27-40-410 |
Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk.
Details
Limits: $7,500 (magistrate court (statewide civil jurisdiction commonly used) only).
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Details of the return rules
| When it applies | Deadline | Starts from |
|---|---|---|
| ordinary return/itemization deadline (whichever event is later starts or completes the 30-day clock) | 30 days | after the later of (i) termination of the tenancy and delivery of possession, or (ii) demand by the tenant |
South Carolina return rule: 30 calendar days (ordinary return/itemization deadline (whichever event is later starts or completes the 30-day clock)). Check the dates you entered above.
Court listed for this county: Aiken Summary Court. Check venue on the official court page or with the clerk.
Free dated DOCX by email. Print-ready state PDF kit: $29. Letter preparation and mailing: $49.
Who do you name in the claim?
Find and compare the legal names
Find and compare the legal names in these records:
- The lease: the Landlord or Owner line and who signed.
- The deposit receipt or the account your rent went to.
- The owner of record in the property records of Aiken County.
- The South Carolina business registry for an LLC or management company: its exact legal name and registered agent. South Carolina Secretary of State
A registered agent receives court papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
This page shows where the names are recorded; it does not decide who is legally liable.
What to bring to the clerk
- Your lease.
- Deposit receipt or payment record.
- The demand letter and proof of delivery.
- Move-out photos and an inventory or condition report.
Is it worth filing here?
Illustration: a deposit equal to one month's ACS median gross rent (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) for a home in Aiken County. This is calculated from rent, not measured deposits. The statutory amount requires the rule's conditions.
| Bedrooms | Deposit owed | Statutory amount | Total illustration | Limit check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $912 | $1,824 | $2,736 | Fits under the $7,500 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $983 | $1,966 | $2,949 | Fits under the $7,500 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,098 | $2,196 | $3,294 | Fits under the $7,500 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,381 | $2,762 | $4,143 | Fits under the $7,500 limit for this illustrated claim |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates, tables B25064, B25031, B25003, B25070; accessed 2026-09-21. Penalty rule.
How does Aiken County compare with other South Carolina counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $983: rank 12 of 46 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 23.3% of households rent in Aiken County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Richland County | $1,131 |
| Lexington County | $1,071 |
| Aiken County | $983 |
| Spartanburg County | $974 |
| Sumter County | $958 |
| Calhoun County | $913 |
Ranking uses the same ACS metric and period within this state; ties share a rank. Coverage is 46 of 46 listed counties. Census source.
Places in Aiken County
- Aiken
- Burnettown
- Jackson
- Monetta
- New Ellenton
- North Augusta
- Perry
- Salley
- Wagener
- Windsor
These are Census places in the county. Check the rental's address with the clerk to find the court.
U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census place-to-county relationship file
Free legal help
- South Carolina Legal Services: Free civil legal help for eligible South Carolina residents, including housing and eviction matters. The statewide phone line takes applications; it does not give legal advice during intake.
FAQ
How much does it cost to file in Aiken County?
The court sets the fee. Check the current schedule. Court page
Where do I file a deposit claim in Aiken County?
Aiken Summary Court is listed. Some counties have more than one small claims court, and venue rules differ by state; check which court hears your claim on the court's official page or with the clerk. Court page
Who should I name in the claim?
Compare the legal names on the lease, deposit receipt, property records and business registry. A registered agent receives papers for a company; it is not the defendant.
What should I bring to the clerk?
Bring your lease, deposit receipt, demand letter, proof of delivery, photos and any move-out inventory.