Without a written agreement, what is the standard rental term for an apartment?

In South Carolina, when there is no written rental agreement specifying the terms, the standard rental term for an apartment is month to month. This arrangement is common for residential leases, allowing both the landlord and the tenant flexibility. It means that the lease automatically renews each month unless either party gives notice to terminate the lease, typically requiring a 30-day notice.

The month-to-month rental term offers both parties the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, whether it’s the tenant needing to move or the landlord wanting to adjust rental policies. This flexibility is important in rental agreements, as it accommodates the dynamic nature of housing needs.

Other options, such as weekly, yearly, or daily rental terms, are less common without a written lease that clearly states those arrangements. While these terms can exist—especially in specific scenarios like short-term rentals or lease agreements framed differently—they do not represent the default standard in the absence of a written contract in South Carolina. Thus, the month-to-month term serves as a practical default, supporting both tenant rights and landlord interests effectively.