South · ESA letter laws · South Carolina
Can a landlord charge pet fees for an emotional support animal in South Carolina?
Educational content, not legal advice. For your specific situation, consult a state-licensed attorney.
What the law says
HUD FHEO Notice 2020-01: "Housing providers may not require a person with a disability to pay a fee or a security deposit as a condition of allowing the assistance animal to reside in the dwelling unit." A tenant remains responsible for damage the animal causes.
In plain language
The no-pet-fee rule still applies to trained assistance animals. For an untrained ESA, HUD rescinded its 2020 guidance and — per its 2026 enforcement memo — no longer requires a fee waiver, so whether a South Carolina landlord may charge a pet fee for an untrained ESA now depends largely on South Carolina state law (see the protection summary at the top of this page). Either way, the tenant remains liable for actual damage the animal causes — distinct from a flat pet fee. Whether a specific charge is permissible typically requires looking at the lease, the charge, and state law; consulting a tenant-rights attorney is the usual next step.
Read the full South Carolina esa letter laws guide
This page covers one question; the full guide walks through the federal floor, state-specific carve-outs, the documentation standard, and the accommodation process.
ESA letter laws in South Carolina →