South Carolina Short-Term Rental Laws by City (2026)
Short-term rental rules in South Carolina are set city by city — a property that is legal to rent nightly in one town can be prohibited a few miles away. The table below covers 4 South Carolina cities (4 human-verified against official sources), with each city's legal status, permit cost, and last-verified date.
Statewide short-term rental rules in South Carolina
South Carolina imposes no statewide short-term rental permit and does not preempt local regulation — cities and counties may license, cap, or even ban STRs, and bills to change that (H.3861 preemption, S.442 statewide standards with a local-ban authorization) both died when the legislature adjourned in May 2026. The state's requirements are tax-driven: stays of fewer than 90 continuous days are subject to a 7% state sales tax on accommodations, which Airbnb/Vrbo collect and remit for platform bookings; hosts who take direct bookings must obtain a one-time $50 Accommodations Tax License (retail license) from the SC Department of Revenue. Separately, owners who rent out their legal residence more than 72 days in a calendar year lose the 4% owner-occupied property tax assessment ratio. City and county rules apply on top of state law — check your local market's page.
| City | Status | Permit fee | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | Primary residence only | $345 | July 10, 2026 |
| Hilton Head Island | Permit required | $150 | July 12, 2026 |
| Horry County | Permit required | — | July 12, 2026 |
| Myrtle Beach | Restricted | — | July 10, 2026 |
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This page is informational only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. Regulations change frequently — verify current requirements with each jurisdiction before operating. HOA and condo rules may prohibit short-term rentals regardless of city law.