What must be included in a written notice for deductions from the security deposit?

A written notice for deductions from the security deposit must include an itemization of deductions. This is important because it provides the tenant with a clear and transparent breakdown of the specific costs that have been deducted from their security deposit. Itemization protects the rights of the tenant by ensuring they understand the reasons for each deduction, which helps prevent disputes and fosters trust between landlords and tenants.

By providing an itemized list, landlords also demonstrate compliance with legal requirements that dictate how security deposits should be handled. Clear documentation of each deduction contributes to a smooth and fair process when settling the security deposit, adhering to South Carolina's property management regulations.

The other options do not meet the specific requirement for deductions: a summary of expenses may lack the necessary details about individual costs, a list of all payment schedules is unrelated to security deposit deductions, and a letter of apology does not address the content required in the notice.