A brief guide to South Carolina landlord-tenant law
When renting or leasing property, you have certain rights which must be respected. However, the responsibility for making sure all aspects of South Carolina landlord-tenant laws begins with you. Being alert before entering into any rental agreement is essential to make sure that you are not taken advantage of.
Any property which you rent must not be in violation of South Carolina landlord-tenant law regarding adequate safety and cleanliness. Examine any property you are thinking of renting to make sure that its electrical wiring is in order, the toilet functions and that all other essentials are in good working condition. If any part of a piece of property violates South Carolina landlord-tenant laws, ask the person you are thinking of renting from to agree to a list of repairs. Do not trust any landlord who agrees orally but will not commit to any repairs in writing.
South Carolina landlord-tenant law grants you certain rights once you have moved into a property. It is best to clarify the terms of your residence in any contract which you sign. Do not consent to any document which attempts to nullify your rights granted by South Carolina landlord-tenant laws. For example, you should agree to sign a contract which makes you liable for a landlord's legal expenses in cases of dispute.
South Carolina landlord-tenant law stipulates that a person who is renting out property has the obligation to perform repairs to damage not caused by the person renting. As a tenant, you have certain other rights. South Carolina landlord-tenant laws do not allow a person who owns property to show up for an inspection unannounced. While a landlord has the right to visit their property to make sure the person renting is maintaining it in good condition, they must schedule any inspection in advance. Under South Carolina landlord-tenant law, you have the right to request that this visit be agreed to in advance in writing.
As a tenant, you have certain obligations that must be followed or risk violating your contract. South Carolina landlord-tenant laws require you to maintain reasonably clean conditions. A contract should detail what kind of repairs you must perform in case you cause any damage to a property. You may also wish to have a contract state what kind of steps will be taken in case of a dispute, such as mediation by a neutral third party. However, if this fails to resolve your issues, South Carolina landlord-tenant law allows you to go to civil court to pursue compensation for violation of the terms of a contract.
If a landlord wishes to evict you for nonpayment of rent or other issues, they cannot simply change the locks or confiscate your keys. South Carolina landlord-tenant laws require them to follow a fixed process, beginning with a written notice of their intent. You must be formally presented with this document and acknowledge its receipt in order for eviction to be legally accomplished.
