Landlord Breach Legal Steps

Summary

In South Carolina, if a landlord fails to maintain essential systems like air conditioning, it violates the implied warranty of habitability. You may have the right to constructive eviction, allowing you to break your lease due to uninhabitable conditions. To file for constructive eviction, document the issue, communicate with the landlord, and give them time to fix it. If unresolved, send a certified letter stating your intent to vacate, move out, and stop paying rent. Contact South Carolina Legal Services for assistance. Filing for constructive eviction does not impact your credit, but unpaid rent judgments can. Consult a legal expert for personalized advice.

Full Conversation

If the landlord does not fix the problems on the things they states that they are responsible for can I break my lease and if so what is that called in legal terms
In South Carolina, if your landlord breaches the "implied warranty of habitability," you might have the right to "constructive eviction." It means you can potentially break your lease due to uninhabitable conditions. Always consult with a legal expert before making such decisions.
how do I file for a constructive eviction is south carolina
To file for a constructive eviction in South Carolina, you should:
*. Document the issue and your communication with the landlord.
*. Give the landlord a reasonable time to fix the issue.
*. If not resolved, send a certified letter stating your intent to vacate.
*. Move out and stop paying rent.
*. If necessary, file a lawsuit for damages.
Please consult with a local attorney for specific advice.
what legal aid can I contact regarding a landlord not obligating themselves to fix or repair things in my house in south carolina I am also on high blood pressure medicine and my air unit is out who do I speak to in legal aid
You can contact South Carolina Legal Services. They provide free legal help in civil cases to low income persons.

South Carolina Legal Services~
Phone: *-*-*-*
Website: www.sclegal.org

will it go against my credit if I file for a constructive eviction can the landlord put that on my credit
Filing for constructive eviction itself does not impact your credit. However, if the landlord sues for unpaid rent and wins, a judgment could appear on your credit report. Also, if you stop paying rent, the landlord may report the missed payments to credit bureaus. Always consult a legal expert in such scenarios.