South Carolina HOA Reserves Under Title 27

South Carolina HOA Reserves Under Title 27

South Carolina governs HOAs through the Homeowners Association Act at South Carolina Code Title 27 Chapter 30. Condominiums fall under the Horizontal Property Act at SC Code Title 27 Chapter 31. The framework requires basic disclosure and registration with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. The South Carolina Real Estate Commission licenses community managers.

What Title 27 Chapter 30 and 31 actually require

SC Code Title 27 Chapter 30 requires HOAs to register with the Department of Consumer Affairs and to provide basic disclosure. The Horizontal Property Act sets the condo framework. Neither chapter imposes a state level reserve study cadence. Reserve obligations live in the master deed and bylaws.

What good South Carolina practice looks like

Four practices distinguish South Carolina boards.

First, commission a reserve study every 3 years for coastal communities and every 5 years inland. Salt air and humidity wear components faster on the coast.

Second, document reserve decisions in minutes that survive a records request.

Third, separate operating and replacement reserves at the bank.

Fourth, follow CAI South Carolina chapter bulletins.

Recent South Carolina developments

South Carolina has tightened HOA registration and disclosure requirements in recent sessions. The 2024 and 2025 sessions saw proposals adjusting transfer fee rules and lien priorities. None impose a state level reserve study mandate yet.

What your board should do this quarter

Take three actions.

1. Confirm the date of your last reserve study. Coastal communities should be on 3 year cycles.
2. Confirm your HOA registration with the Department of Consumer Affairs is current.
3. Read the latest CAI South Carolina chapter recap.

This is general information for board members, not legal advice. Consult your attorney for your specific situation.

How Manorway helps

Manorway is an AI assisted executive governance platform that helps South Carolina boards keep their reserve work, disclosures, and filings in one audit ready place. The reserve narrative writes itself once your study is loaded. Book a free governance checkup, no strings attached.