Struggling renters, the unemployed and working poor in South Carolina can get help with paying back rent. Find grant programs, government assistance or programs from charities below. There are emergency rental assistance programs offered statewide as well as in each county or city, listed below. Or learn about legal defense services, homeless prevention or rehousing, or security deposit assistance in South Carolina. All these rent and housing programs are noted below.

In almost all cases income restrictions are in place. In addition, any rent help is combined with case management. As the goal is to ensure the tenant has the financial ability to continue to pay their bills, and housing costs, in the future. The case management also includes budgeting, debt reduction, and financial literacy services.

Rental assistance is first-come served. In general, either donations or government grants are used to pay for the services. In addition, many of funds for paying rent are aimed at the elderly, disabled, veterans, or even single mothers in South Carolina – meaning all the most vulnerable groups.

Statewide programs in SC

There are a few resources offered across the state – regardless of county or city. They are noted below. Everything from free legal eviction presentation services from lawyers to government homeless prevention, HUD rent subsidized homes and more.

South Carolina Legal Services – This free, pro-bono law firms helps low-income renters avoid eviction. They also help with applications to section 8 housing, government grant programs, and housing discrimination (among other needs). A wide variety of free legal assistance is given. Locate free lawyers for tenants in South Carolina.
Section 8 rent subsidized homes and vouchers – Low-income families can apply for HUD section 8 vouchers. These will help the household pay some of their rent, utilities, and housing costs. It is income based homes or apartments. More on section 8 HUD housing in SC.
Eviction prevention and rehousing – Government programs, including ESG grants, SSVF for veterans, Emergency Food and Shelter and others provide short term, emergency rent help in a crisis. There may also be money to pay a security deposit or even mobile home lot rent. Funding comes and goes, but learn more here. Continue with South Carolina homeless prevention and rapid rehousing.

Community Action Agency financial assistance programs – Each and every county has a community action agency, and they are part of the statewide community action network in SC. Government grant money (for rent or bills) is combined with budgeting, homebuying programs and other resources for lower income families. More on rent grants from South Carolina community action agencies.
Emergency rent grants from Social Services and the South Carolina Housing and Finance Development Authority - There are a number of emergency housing assistance programs, with a focus on the elderly as families with children (including single parents). Cash assistance can help pay rent, utility or security deposits and employment expenses. More on emergency assistance in South Carolina.

Local South Carolina programs that help with rent

In addition to the statewide resources listed above, most counties have agencies that focus on helping struggling tenants. Select a county or city below to find how to get assistance paying rental arrears or other housing expenses.

Anderson County

Beaufort County

Charleston - City and the county

Dorchester County

Florence County

Greenville area, including the entire county

Horry County and Myrtle Beach

Richland County and Columbia