Do I have to tell my abuser that I'm leaving?

Absolutely not. You only have to notify your landlord. If there's a protective order in place, your abuser shouldn't have access to your lease agreement anyway. If you're worried about safety, tell law enforcement first and let them help coordinate your exit plan.

What if I can't afford a new place in 14 days?

Talk to a domestic violence advocate about this before you serve notice—they may know about emergency housing assistance, shelters with transitional programs, or other resources in Myrtle Beach that can help you bridge the gap. You're not locked into moving the day your notice period ends; 14 days is just when you're legally free to go without owing rent.

Can my landlord tell my abuser that I gave notice?

Not without violating your privacy rights. If you're concerned about this, mention it in your letter and ask your landlord to keep your move confidential. Most responsible landlords will respect that request, especially once they know it's a domestic violence situation.

Domestic Violence Lease Breaking Laws in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

If you're experiencing domestic violence in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has a law that lets you break your lease without penalty—but you've got to follow specific steps and timelines, or you'll lose that protection. Here's what you need to know before your options disappear.

South Carolina's Domestic Violence Lease-Breaking Law

Look, South Carolina recognizes that staying in a lease with an abuser isn't safe. Under South Carolina Code Section 27-40-770, tenants who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking can terminate their leases early without breaking the lease or losing their security deposit.

This isn't a suggestion from the state—it's actual law. Your landlord can't penalize you, and they can't keep your deposit just because you're leaving to protect yourself. — at least that's how it works in most cases

Here's the thing: timing matters more than you'd think

You can't just pack up and leave whenever you want, even with domestic violence involved. (More on this below.) You've got to give your landlord written notice, and you'll need to include documentation that proves what you've experienced.

The law requires you to provide at least 14 days' written notice before you move out. That's two weeks—and those days add up fast when you're in crisis mode. If you don't give that notice, your landlord might argue you broke the lease without legal protection, which means they could come after you for unpaid rent or try to keep your security deposit.

What documentation do you actually need?

South Carolina law accepts several forms of proof that you're a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking. You can provide:

A protective order (also called a restraining order or order of protection) from a South Carolina court. If you've already filed one, this is your strongest document. A police report documenting the abuse or a statement from a law enforcement officer. A written statement from a domestic violence shelter, counselor, or advocate. Medical records showing injuries consistent with abuse. A signed statement from a medical professional who evaluated you.

You don't need all of these—even one solid piece of documentation can work. But here's the catch: if you don't provide any documentation at all, your landlord doesn't have to let you out of the lease.

The notice process in Myrtle Beach

You'll submit your notice in writing to your landlord. Be straightforward about it—explain that you're terminating the lease under South Carolina Code Section 27-40-770 due to domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, and include your documentation.

Hand-deliver it if you can, or send it certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep copies of everything. Don't rely on email alone, because you need proof your landlord actually received the notice.

Fourteen days after your landlord receives the notice, your lease ends. You're out, and you owe nothing more.

What happens if you don't follow the process?

This is where things get risky. If you move out without giving proper notice or without documentation, your landlord can treat it as a lease breach.

That means they can pursue you for rent through the end of your lease term, file a judgment against you in Myrtle Beach magistrate court, and report the debt to credit agencies. A judgment on your record makes it harder to rent apartments, get loans, or even get hired for some jobs. Your security deposit gets held or applied toward unpaid rent, and you'll likely never see it again.

Some landlords in Myrtle Beach will be understanding about domestic violence situations—but not all. Banking on goodwill instead of following the law is a gamble you don't want to take.

Real talk — what if you're afraid to tell your landlord?

I get it. You might worry that your abuser knows the landlord, or that notifying management will escalate things. This is a real concern, and you're not wrong to think about it.

Talk to a domestic violence advocate before you move forward. In Myrtle Beach, the Horry County Victim Services office and local domestic violence shelters have staff who can help you navigate this safely and even help with documentation. They've worked through these situations dozens of times and won't judge you.

If your safety is in immediate danger, notify law enforcement first. A police report doesn't just document the abuse—it also creates a paper trail that helps you later if your landlord disputes your claim.

Your security deposit and move-out inspection

Here's some good news: when you invoke South Carolina's domestic violence law, your landlord can't keep your security deposit as a penalty for breaking the lease. They can only deduct for actual damages or unpaid utilities—the same rules that apply to any normal move-out.

Request a walk-through inspection before you leave, if it's safe to do so. Document the condition of the apartment with photos or video. This protects you if your landlord later claims you trashed the place and tries to keep the deposit anyway.

What if your landlord ignores the law?

Sometimes landlords don't know about this law. Sometimes they ignore it anyway. If your landlord refuses to release you from the lease or keeps your deposit after you've properly invoked Section 27-40-770, you have options.

You can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, or you can sue your landlord in small claims court in Horry County Magistrate Court for the amount of your security deposit (if it's under $7,500) plus damages. You might also be entitled to attorney's fees if you win.

Don't assume your landlord will just do the right thing. Follow the law to the letter so you've got documentation if you need it later.

Getting help before you decide what to do

Before you serve notice on your landlord, talk to someone who specializes in this. The South Carolina Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) can connect you with local advocates in Myrtle Beach who know tenant law and can walk you through your options safely.

They can also help you think through timing. Maybe leaving in 14 days puts you in a tight spot. Maybe you need to get a protective order first. Maybe there's a shelter bed available that changes your timeline. An advocate will help you figure out what makes sense for your situation.

You don't have to figure this out alone, and you shouldn't.

What to do right now

If you're ready to move forward: Contact a domestic violence advocate or shelter in Myrtle Beach today—not because you have to, but because they can help you do this safely and smartly. Gather any documentation you have: protective orders, police reports, medical records, counselor statements. Write a clear, formal letter to your landlord stating you're terminating under South Carolina Code Section 27-40-770, include your documentation, and deliver it certified mail with return receipt. Mark your calendar for 14 days out—that's when your lease officially ends. Start securing your new housing and planning your move safely.