Overview: Are Short‑Term Rentals Allowed in Bennettsville, SC?

• Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in South Carolina; “vacation rental” is statutorily defined as the lease of residential property for fewer than 90 days. State law governs core transactional and licensing aspects, but local (city and county) rules may add permits, zoning, safety, taxes, and advertising requirements.
• The provided research contains no city‑specific ordinance for Bennettsville. This guide therefore focuses on state‑level South Carolina requirements and flags where local rules are likely to apply. Before listing a property, confirm Bennettsville zoning, business licensing, safety inspections, and any STR permit requirements with the City of Bennettsville and Marlboro County.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in This Market

• Confirm zoning and use eligibility:
  • South Carolina defines “vacation rental” at fewer than 90 days and “residential property” broadly (single‑family, townhome, condo, apartment, cottage). Local zoning still controls whether STRs are a permitted use in a given district. In many SC cities, STRs are allowed only in specific zones or require a special/conditional use approval.
• Secure permits and licensing:
  • Business license (city or county, depending on local practice).
  • Local STR permit if your municipality or county requires one (e.g., Columbia, Greenville, Florence, Rock Hill, Summerville, Hilton Head, Mount Pleasant, Lexington County).
  • Safety inspection may be required by local ordinance (common requirements include smoke/CO detectors, egress, guardrails/handrails, electrical and structural safety).
• Insurance:
  • Carry Commercial General Liability (CGL) with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence. Many SC jurisdictions require proof of liability insurance; some specify minimum limits and that the policy be from a carrier authorized to do business in SC. Homeowners or “home‑sharing” endorsements often exclude business activity and are insufficient for paid STR operations.
• Taxes:
  • Register with the SC Department of Revenue (DOR) for accommodations tax if providing lodging for 90 days or less. Remit the 4% state accommodations tax plus any local accommodations taxes (local option up to 3%, plus possible local “special” taxes). File regular local business license and/or hospitality taxes as required by your jurisdiction.
• Compliance operations:
  • Maintain guest registration, emergency contacts, and parking/yard standards as required locally.
  • Include your permit/business license number in all advertisements and listings.
• Neighbor relations and operations:
  • Observe quiet hours, trash and parking rules, and occupancy limits set by local ordinance.
  • Ensure clear emergency procedures and contact information for guests and neighbors.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines (State and Local)

• South Carolina Vacation Rental Act (statewide, key provisions):
  • Vacation rental agreement: Required in writing and valid only upon acceptance via signature, payment, or possession. Must govern deposits, rent, and fees; advanced payments may be nonrefundable if stated.
  • Trust accounts: A licensed rental management company must place guest funds in a trust account in compliance with state real estate commission rules.
  • Transfer of title: If a property sells, the buyer takes title subject to all vacation rental agreements and management agreements for stays beginning no later than 90 days after the deed is recorded. Sellers must disclose future STR periods to buyers and provide buyer contact info to the management company within 14 days; the buyer must honor reservations during that 90‑day window. If rentals exceed 90 days post‑recording, tenants are due a refund within 45 days of recording.
  • Evacuation orders: Tenants must comply with mandatory evacuations.
  • Scope: Applies to STRs under 90 days; excludes weekly/monthly rentals under the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and excludes traditional lodging (hotels/motels/timeshares with front desk/front‑office services).
  • Definitions:
    • “Residential property” includes single‑family homes, condos, townhomes, apartments, cottages, and other residential units.
    • “Vacation rental” is the lease/sublease of residential property for fewer than 90 days.
    • “Vacation rental agreement” and “vacation rental management agreement” include electronic signatures and transmissions.
• Taxes:
  • State accommodations tax: 4% on gross rental proceeds for stays of 90 days or less.
  • Local accommodations taxes: up to 3% local option, plus any local “special” accommodations taxes where imposed.
  • Registration and filing: Required with the SC Department of Revenue. Remittance schedules and filing instructions are set by DOR.
• Business licensing:
  • A business license is required by the local government where you operate. Many SC municipalities require a business license and evidence of compliance for STRs.
• Local permits and inspections:
  • Many SC cities and counties require an STR permit, annual renewal, safety inspection, and proof of insurance. Examples include Columbia, Greenville, Florence, Rock Hill, Summerville, Hilton Head, Mount Pleasant, and Lexington County (unincorporated areas).
• Advertising:
  • Municipalities commonly require hosts to include the STR permit/license number on all advertisements and listing platforms.

Specific Regulations for Short‑Term Rentals (City, County, and State)

• State (South Carolina):
  • STRs (vacation rentals) are permitted when operated for fewer than 90 days. The Vacation Rental Act sets requirements for written agreements, trust accounts, transfers of title, and compliance with evacuations. Weekly/monthly rentals are governed by a different statute.
  • Insurance: While not mandated by state statute for all STRs, many local ordinances require a general liability policy (often at least $1,000,000 per occurrence) from a carrier authorized in SC. Hosts should carry Commercial General Liability due to business activity exclusions in homeowners policies.
  • Taxes: 4% state accommodations tax, plus local taxes where applicable. Hosts must register with DOR for accommodations tax.
• City/County:
  • No Bennettsville‑specific ordinance was identified in the provided materials. In practice, SC cities and counties regularly impose zoning, permit, safety, occupancy, parking, advertisement, and tax obligations. Where no local ordinance is found, hosts must still obtain a business license and comply with state accommodations tax.
  • Illustrative (non‑exhaustive) examples from other SC jurisdictions:
    • Charleston: Whole‑house STRs are banned; only owner‑occupied STRs are permitted, with owner present overnight and a cap of four adults. Requires a city STR license, listing of the permit number, and $1,000,000 liability coverage.
    • Florence: Owner‑occupancy requirement, limit of two bedrooms rented, permitted zoning districts, guest registry, and parking on improved surfaces only.
    • Greenville: STRs must be in “General Lodging” zoning. Permit and business license required. Accommodations tax applies for stays of 90 days or less.
    • Rock Hill: STR permit required for stays under 30 days, max five bedrooms, business licenses for host and owner if different, and monthly local accommodations tax remittance.
    • Summerville: Owner‑occupancy and residency thresholds, business license and inspection required; insurance required.
    • Hilton Head: Permit and business license required; fire safety and annual inspection; parking standards; owner availability requirements.
    • Mount Pleasant: Permit cap and structure; business license and insurance required.
    • Lexington County (unincorporated): STR Zoning Permit required (Jan 1, 2025), minimum stay of two nights, occupancy tied to bedrooms and septic capacity, minimum guest age 25, approved parking plan, and active local representative availability; local accommodations taxes apply.
• How to confirm Bennettsville rules:
  • Contact the City of Bennettsville (municipal planning/code enforcement) and Marlboro County (county planning/finance) to verify whether any local STR ordinance, permit, inspection, zoning, or local accommodations tax applies.

Local Authority Contacts (Where to Verify Bennettsville Rules)

• City of Bennettsville (primary local contact for zoning, permits, business license):
  • Phone: Not available in the provided content.
  • Email/Website: Not available in the provided content.
  • Action: Call City Hall or Planning/Code Enforcement to confirm STR status, zoning, business license requirements, any STR permit, and inspection protocols.
• Marlboro County (secondary contact for county licensing/taxes if applicable):
  • Phone: Not available in the provided content.
  • Email/Website: Not available in the provided content.
  • Action: Confirm whether the property is inside city limits; if unincorporated, county rules may apply, including local accommodations taxes.

Important Note: The content provided does not include Bennettsville‑specific contact details. Verify current contacts via the City of Bennettsville official website or by phone.

Links to Source Pages (State Law and Sample City Rules)

• South Carolina Vacation Rental Act (official state code):
  • www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t27c050.php
• State law summary and commentary:
  • scottumstead.com/the-vacation-rental-act-sc-code-%C2%A727-50-210-et-seq/
• Sample SC city/county STR regulations (for comparative guidance; not Bennettsville rules):
  • City of Beaufort STR: www.cityofbeaufort.org/344/Short-Term-Rentals
  • Beaufort STR application packet: www.cityofbeaufort.org/DocumentCenter/View/5200/Short-Term-Rental-Packet?bidId=
  • Beaufort neighborhood map: www.cityofbeaufort.org/DocumentCenter/View/955/Map-of-City-Neighborhoods?bidId=
  • Charleston STR ordinance (as amended): www.charleston-sc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18216/STR-Ordinance-As-Amended-Approved-2018-043?bidId=
  • City of Columbia STR info: columbiapd.net/short-term-rentals/
  • Columbia STR application and checklist: columbiapd.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/STR-checklist-application-5-30.pdf
  • City of Florence STR ordinance: www.cityofflorence.com/sites/default/files/uploads/Departments/Planning/ordinance_2020-35_rental_housing_ordinance.pdf
  • Greenville STR regulations and permit info: www.greenvillesc.gov/1572/Short-Term-Rentals
  • Greenville zoning map: grvlsc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=786b6ecb579e4d698adad384566459ec&locale=en-US
  • Hilton Head Island STR process: hiltonheadislandsc.gov/short-termrentals/owner/process/
  • Hilton Head business license: hiltonheadislandsc.gov/business/apply.cfm
  • Hilton Head fire safety requirements: hiltonheadislandsc.gov/short-termrentals/firesafety/
  • Mount Pleasant STR rules: www.charleston-sc.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18216/STR-Ordinance-As-Amended-Approved-2018-043?bidId= (context via state article)
  • Rock Hill STR permits page: www.cityofrockhill.com/departments/planning-and-development/permits-inspections/short-term-rental-permits
  • Rock Hill Zoning Ordinance (chapters on STR): www.cityofrockhill.com/home/showpublisheddocument/2065/638374643753230000
  • Summerville STR announcement: summervillesc.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=29
  • Lexington County STR permitting requirements: www.lex-co.sc.gov/index.php/news/2024-11/new-short-term-rental-permitting-requirements
  • Lexington County Community Development Department: lex-co.sc.gov/departments/community-development

Final Note for Investors

• Because Bennettsville‑specific STR rules were not found in the provided content, treat this as a due‑diligence checklist:
  1. Verify zoning and use status with the City of Bennettsville.
  2. Confirm business license and any local STR permit and inspection requirements.
  3. Obtain adequate insurance (Commercial General Liability, $1,000,000+ per occurrence).
  4. Register for accommodations tax with the SC Department of Revenue.
  5. Implement guest agreements and trust account handling as required under state law.
  6. List permit/license numbers on all advertisements and maintain compliance with local safety, parking, occupancy, and quiet‑hours rules.