A notice to pay rent or quit—also known as an eviction notice or notice to vacate due to late rent—is a written letter demanding a tenant who is late paying rent (1) pay the rent by a certain date or (2) quit (leave or vacate) the premises.
In South Carolina, a notice to pay rent or quit is a formal communication from a landlord to a tenant who is behind on their rent. According to South Carolina law, specifically the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, the landlord must provide the tenant with a written notice giving them a minimum of five days to pay the rent or vacate the premises. This notice is required before the landlord can initiate formal eviction proceedings in court. If the tenant fails to pay the overdue rent or vacate within the specified time frame, the landlord may then file an eviction lawsuit, also known as an 'ejectment action,' in the appropriate court. It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand that the eviction process is governed by strict legal procedures and timelines, and an attorney can provide guidance specific to the circumstances of the case.