South Carolina Tenant Rights

Are you a tenant and feel like something is shady with your landlord or property manager? Here is a real life scenario of SC tenant rights being infringed.

Earlier this month I received a phone call from someone who stated that they received an eviction notice from their landlord!

By law, There are three grounds for ejectment:

1. the tenant fails or refuses to pay the rent when it is due or when demanded in the amount of $___ ; or

2. The term of tenancy or occupancy has ended; or

3. The terms or conditions of the lease has been violated as follows: ___

In this case, the landlord checked number 2 on their notice to tenant.

During my phone call with the tenant I discovered that the landlord was simply trying to get the tenant to leave, so they could sell the house. The eviction notice was sent to insight fear in the tenant.

Luckily, they reached out to me and I help them to understand the rights that they have. I had them to confirm the following information:

1. they had a formal lease agreement

2. they received/signed a lease extension

3. they’ve never been late or missed any rent payments.

To further build the tenants case for the court hearing, I utilized the county public records to get a timeline of the landlord‘s divorce and a copy of the deed of sale. This was important information because the landlord claimed that her ex-husband did not have the right to extend the lease since he sold her the home.

During the court hearing, the judge demanded that the landlord honor the addendum to extend the lease agreement which was a win for the tenant! The landlord even attempted, in front of the judge, to increase the rent for the tenant and it was denied! Like I told my client, the tenant really has more rights than it may seem!

The purpose of sharing this real life scenario is to give an account of:

• how tricky private landlords can be,

• the importance of knowing your tenant rights,

• the importance of reaching out to a realtor like myself.

Representation matters beyond when you’re ready to purchase or sell property, but just as important when leasing!

If you’re looking to buy, sell, lease or develop property in 2025 contact me 803-524-0027!