Tenant Rights In South Carolina

Summary

Landlords in South Carolina must maintain habitable premises. Tenants can withhold rent or repair and deduct if repairs arent made. Late fees cant exceed 5% of rent. Consult a local attorney for personalized advice.

Full Conversation

Can anyone help me before I contact a lawyer? In South Carolina, I had a commercial lease where I spent a year trying to get them to fix the AC. & 6 months with a leaking ceiling. No repairs were made. I stayed thinking it would get fixed once spring rolled around again. But it wasn’t so I stopped paying rent the last 30 days of my lease because still no repairs were made. They charged me a the late fee plus another week towards my last week of my lease (which was suppose to paid from my deposit). They sent me an email saying I had to evict in three days, which I already did. Now they’re saying I still owe. But I was told it was illegal for them to not fix repairs and they have 30 days & I don’t have to pay until it’s fixed.. nothing was ever done & they never set up a meeting to speak to me in person over the issues, after requesting one. There were other repair request but these were my main concern; especially being pregnant the whole time.
Hello Tia, sorry to hear about your situation. In South Carolina:
- Landlords are required to maintain habitable premises.
- If they don't, tenants may have the right to withhold rent or "repair and deduct".
- Late fees can't exceed *% of rent due.
It's important to consult with a local attorney.
Okay
Hello Tia, I understand your predicament. In South Carolina, you indeed have rights as a tenant. Key points include:
- Landlords' obligation to provide habitable premises.
- Tenants' right to withhold rent or "repair and deduct."
- Late fees should not exceed *% of the rent due.
I recommend consulting a local attorney for personalized advice.