The bill S. 442 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to regulate short-term rentals by allowing local governing bodies to enact ordinances that can prohibit such rentals and define related terms. It introduces a new section, 6-1-195, which outlines definitions for key terms such as "property owner," "residential dwelling," and "short-term rental." The bill also grants municipalities the authority to require registration for short-term rentals, appoint a responsible local representative, impose limitations on the number of rentals, and establish inspection and maintenance regulations. Additionally, it mandates that property owners maintain liability insurance and obtain a business license for operating short-term rentals.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing sections to redefine "retailer" and "seller," introduces the term "accommodations intermediary," and modifies the tax provisions related to accommodations for transients. Notably, it removes the exemption for facilities with fewer than six sleeping rooms from the accommodations tax and extends the time frame for vacation rental agreements from ninety to one hundred eighty days. The bill is set to 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