The bill S. 442 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to provide local governing bodies the authority to regulate short-term rentals within their jurisdictions. It introduces a new section, 6-1-195, which allows municipalities and counties to enact ordinances that can prohibit short-term rentals, require registration, appoint a responsible local representative, and impose various regulations such as inspection and maintenance requirements. The bill also defines key terms related to short-term rentals, including "property owner," "residential dwelling," and "short-term guest." Additionally, it establishes that short-term rentals are considered a commercial use, necessitating property owners to obtain a business license and maintain liability insurance.

Furthermore, the bill amends several existing sections of the South Carolina Code. It modifies the definitions of "retailer" and "seller" in Section 12-36-70, adds a definition for "accommodations intermediary" in Section 12-36-15, and removes the exemption for facilities with less than six sleeping rooms from the accommodations tax in Section 12-36-920. Lastly, it changes the timeframe in Section 27-50-250 regarding the enforcement of vacation rental agreements from ninety days to one hundred eighty days after the transfer of property title. The bill will take effect upon the Governor's approval.

Statutes affected:
03/11/2025: 6-1-195, 12-36-70, 12-36-15, 12-36-920, 27-50-250
03/19/2025: 6-1-195, 12-36-70, 12-36-15, 12-36-920, 27-50-250
Latest Version: 6-1-195, 12-36-70, 12-36-15, 12-36-920, 27-50-250