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 rent. This notice informs the tenant that they must either pay the overdue rent by a specified deadline or vacate the rental property. According to South Carolina law, the landlord must provide the tenant with a minimum of five days' notice to pay the rent before initiating eviction proceedings. If the tenant fails to pay the rent within this period and does not vacate the premises, the landlord may then file an eviction lawsuit, known as an 'ejectment action,' in court. It's 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 situation.