South Carolina Locksmith Services

Homes and doors across South Carolina

Census Bureau estimates for 2024 put 68.1 percent of South Carolina housing in buildings from 1980 or later, against 51.9 percent nationally. Of Charleston, Columbia and Greenville, Greenville has the newest housing, with 31.9 percent of homes built since 2010, while 29.6 percent of Columbia homes predate 1960.

Mobile homes make up 12.8 percent of the state's housing, more than twice the national 5.4 percent. In Horry County, which includes Myrtle Beach, 18.1 percent of housing units are held for seasonal, recreational or occasional use, against 3.0 percent nationally.

What that means for locks:

• Manufactured homes. Before buying a replacement lockset, note which way the door swings and bring the old hardware or its measurements, so the new lock fits the door you actually have.
• Beach houses and rental condos. Between visits, keys can pass among cleaners, guests and managers. Rekeying after a season, or a keypad with changeable codes, resets who can get in.
• City apartments. Buildings of five or more units hold 36.4 percent of homes in Charleston, 38.5 percent in Columbia and 43.8 percent in Greenville. If your building's entry uses a key or fob issued by management, ask management before changing anything tied to it.

How South Carolina's climate affects locks and keys

NOAA's state climate summary counts 19 hurricanes making landfall on the South Carolina coast from 1901 to 2020, including Category 4 Hugo in 1989. Sea level at Charleston has risen 1.3 inches per decade since 1921, and 2020 brought a record 14 tidal flood days there; NOAA notes that such floods can close roads and overwhelm storm drains. Columbia averaged 3.5 days a year at 100°F or hotter from 1991 to 2020. On October 4, 2015, a Columbia gauge logged 17.7 inches of rain, breaking the state's 24-hour record of 14.8 inches, set at Myrtle Beach during Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Practical upkeep:

• Tidal flooding. If a car key fob stops working after a soaking in Charleston-area floodwater, dry it and try a fresh battery; if it still fails, it may need replacing and programming to the car.
• Salt and sand. Rinse grit from beach-house locks after a season and use a dry lubricant made for locks; oily sprays can hold sand.
• Storm season. Pack spare house and car keys with your evacuation kit, and have a lock that sat in floodwater checked for corrosion or repaired before you rely on it.

Renting in South Carolina: locks, keys and rekeying

Renters occupy 27.7 percent of South Carolina's occupied homes, but they are the majority in Columbia (57.6 percent) and Greenville (56.5 percent), and 46.4 percent in Charleston.

The South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Title 27, Chapter 40) sets the rules:

• Permission first. Section 27-40-530(e) says a tenant shall not change locks without the landlord's permission. Get it in writing, and ask whether the landlord wants a copy of the new key.
• Landlord entry. Section 27-40-530(c) generally requires at least 24 hours' notice of entry, but section 27-40-530(b)(1) allows entry without consent at any time in an emergency and says expected weather changes likely to endanger the property may count as one.
• No lockouts. Section 27-40-760 bars a landlord from taking possession except after abandonment, surrender, termination or as the Act permits. If a landlord unlawfully removes or excludes a tenant, section 27-40-660 lets the tenant recover possession or end the lease, plus three months' rent or twice actual damages, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney's fees.
• Who is covered. Section 27-40-120 excludes transient stays in hotels, motels and other lodging subject to the accommodations sales tax, and occupancy under the Vacation Time Sharing Plan Act.

This is general information, not legal advice.

Where we take requests in South Carolina

Our city pages cover Greenville, Columbia and two coastal cities, Charleston and Myrtle Beach. South Carolina Locksmith Pros takes service requests from homes, businesses and drivers in South Carolina.

• Charleston
• Columbia
• Greenville
• Myrtle Beach

Elsewhere in South Carolina, you can still send a request with your ZIP code through the contact page.

Before you book a locksmith in South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs mediates written consumer complaints and refers those that belong to another agency. It accepts complaints online or on a paper form sent by mail.

During a state of emergency declared by the Governor, section 39-5-145 makes it unlawful to sell a commodity, defined to include services, at an unconscionable price in the declared area: one that grossly exceeds the average of the 30 days before the declaration without added costs or market trends to explain it.

A few checks:

1. Get the full price in writing before work starts and keep the receipt, especially after a storm.
2. If you rent, have the landlord's written permission ready before any lock change.
3. For a second home you own, keep a deed or property tax bill with your ID as proof of ownership, since utility bills may go to your main address.