S.C. Code Ann. § 27-37-200: Definitions

As used in this article:

(1) "Authorized enforcement official" means the county sheriff for the county in which the property is located or any county, city, or township constable, pursuant to Section 22-9-10, for the county, city, or township in which the property is located.

(2) "Petitioner" means the owner of property containing a residential dwelling who has filed a verified petition under the provisions of this article.

(3) "Representative of the property owner" means any authorized agent or personal representative of the property owner. If the property at issue is part of an estate being probated, "representative of the property owner" refers to the representative of the estate during probate proceedings.

(4) "Respondent" means the person or persons unlawfully occupying property containing a residential dwelling, against whom a verified petition has been filed.

(5) "Unlawful occupant or occupants" means any person or persons who detain, occupy, or trespass on property containing a residential dwelling without the permission of the property owner, who otherwise have no legal right to occupy the property under state law, and who are not afforded any protections provided to a tenant under state law.