Charleston County, South Carolina: Where to File a Security Deposit Claim and What It Costs
Listed court is Charleston County Magistrate Courts - Small Claims in Charleston County magistrate locations. Check venue on the court's official page or with the clerk. Filing fee: see the fee table. Claims up to $7,500. South Carolina return time: 30 calendar days. ACS two-bedroom rent: $1,531. Enter your dates below and send the dated letter first.
| Court listed | Charleston County Magistrate Courts - Small Claims |
|---|---|
| City | Charleston County magistrate locations |
| Address | 5962 Highway 165, Suite 200, Ravenel, SC 29470-5590 |
| Phone | (843) 889-8332 |
| Statewide filing fee | $80 total ($45 filing fee + $10 service fee + $25 statutory fee) |
| E-filing | No |
| 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: Charleston County Magistrate Courts - Small Claims. 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 Charleston 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.
Listed filing or service charges: $80 total ($45 filing fee + $10 service fee + $25 statutory fee)
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 Charleston 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 | $1,352 | $2,704 | $4,056 | Fits under the $7,500 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 2 | $1,531 | $3,062 | $4,593 | Fits under the $7,500 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 3 | $1,794 | $3,588 | $5,382 | Fits under the $7,500 limit for this illustrated claim |
| 4 | $1,879 | $3,758 | $5,637 | 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 Charleston County compare with other South Carolina counties?
The two-bedroom median gross rent is $1,531: rank 1 of 46 counties with this metric in U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. 36.5% of households rent in Charleston County.
| County | Median gross rent |
|---|---|
| Charleston County | $1,531 |
| Beaufort County | $1,474 |
| Berkeley County | $1,396 |
| Jasper County | $1,293 |
| York County | $1,287 |
| Dorchester County | $1,213 |
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 Charleston County
- Awendaw
- Charleston
- Folly Beach
- Hollywood
- Isle of Palms
- James Island
- Kiawah Island
- Lincolnville
- McClellanville
- Meggett
- Mount Pleasant
- North Charleston
- Ravenel
- Rockville
- Seabrook Island
- Sullivan's Island
- Summerville
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 Charleston County?
Statewide filing fee: $80 total ($45 filing fee + $10 service fee + $25 statutory fee).
Where do I file a deposit claim in Charleston County?
Charleston County Magistrate Courts - Small Claims 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.