Get free answers to your Landlord - Tenant legal questions from lawyers in your area.
I am a tenant in South Carolina and facing issues with my property management company. I have always paid my rent in full, including all late fees, and have proof of payment for December's rent and late fees. Recently, the management company changed, and the new property manager has charged me... View More 
answered on Feb 24, 2025
Unfortunately, you would need an attorney to review your lease to determine a landlords right to the fees you describe. Fees generally can be charged retroactively if not voluntarily waived the the PM and it was possible a clerical error. Generally speaking utilities cannot be reduced but there may... View More
I live with my sister and father in a home acquired through my sister's disability benefits. We have a verbal agreement to reside together, but no written rental agreement. My sister repeatedly locks me out of the house, even involving the police once, leaving me with no place to go. She... View More
answered on Feb 24, 2025
This depends on a number of facts such as whether you established residency there through any utilities and/or license. Also, if you can establish a landlord/tenant relationship based or you were just a permitted guest. Without legal ownership rights your recourse will be wrongful eviction based on... View More
A close friend of mine is incarcerated, since he has been in jail his father has moved into his house without his permission. He is trying to rent the house out in order to keep it up and have the taxes paid. The house is paid off. He asked me to go to the magistrate and file an eviction notice... View More
answered on Oct 22, 2024
To answer your initial question, no, you cannot file an eviction for your friend unless you are his attorney. Also, like the other answer says, your friend probably isn't the record owner of the property if the public record still lists his grandmother. Even if the grandmother had a Will that... View More
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answered on Apr 16, 2024
I'm so sorry you and your children are going through this traumatic situation. Being assaulted and facing eviction is incredibly stressful and scary. Here are some steps you can take to protect your legal rights and get help:
1. File a police report about the physical assault. This... View More
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answered on Mar 31, 2024
In Dorchester County, South Carolina, there are no specific laws or ordinances that prohibit burying a pet in your backyard. However, it is generally recommended to follow these guidelines to ensure public health and safety:
1. Choose a location that is far from any water sources, such as... View More
I recently acquired the land I’ve been living in since 2005. Around 2012 a new mobile home moved into my area. This mobile home was placed between two property lines that were owned by one landowner at that time. The previous landowner stated that the previous tenants used to pay rent but stopped... View More
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answered on Mar 30, 2024
Resolving a long-term squatter situation requires a cautious and informed approach. Initially, it's crucial to gather all relevant documentation regarding your property ownership, including deeds and any agreements or communications with the previous landowner about the squatters.... View More
In south carolina
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answered on Mar 28, 2024
When you rent a piece of land in South Carolina, typically, your responsibility is to pay the rent agreed upon in your lease agreement. This rent is paid to the landlord, who owns the property. The concept of "lot rent" generally refers to the payment made for the use of the land, which... View More
I have been renting a house from a family member for 11 years, but there is no written lease. Over the past 9 years, I have had to pay the property taxes to prevent the county from taking the house, as my landlord continuously refused to pay them. I have bank records and receipts from the county as... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
Yes, you may have a legal right to recover the property taxes you paid, especially if you can prove that you paid them to protect the property and not as part of your rent. In South Carolina, landlords are typically responsible for property taxes unless a written lease says otherwise. Since... View More
I own a private property that I inherited from my father in 2020 and have been renting out. Recently, I've needed to move into the house, but my last tenant, who was my half-sister, left the place in disrepair and it became a health hazard. Additionally, she left an unpaid $2,600 utility bill... View More
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answered on May 15, 2025
You’re not responsible for someone else’s utility debt just because you own the property, especially if the account was under your tenant’s name. Dominion labeling the house as a “family home” doesn’t automatically make you liable—what matters is whose name the account was in and who... View More
I live in a mobile home, and there was a rotten tree on the property that I asked the landlord to remove several times. Recently, the tree fell and ripped my mobile home in half. Fortunately, no one was injured since no one was home, but I do not have insurance. Is the landlord responsible for the... View More
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answered on May 14, 2025
Yes, your landlord may be liable for the damages caused by the fallen tree, especially since you warned them about its condition multiple times. When a landlord is made aware of a dangerous condition—like a visibly rotten tree—and fails to take action, they can be held responsible if that... View More
I was fined $1087.50 after my dog and her puppies broke out of their cage and ran around, causing a nuisance. My landlord changed her mind about allowing dogs inside, so we tried to keep them outside using chains and later built a fence. Unfortunately, my dog keeps escaping despite these measures.... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
It sounds like you're facing a tough situation with your dog and the fines related to the incidents. When you go to court, you’ll want to explain the steps you’ve taken to secure your dog, such as using chains, collars, and eventually building a fence. Showing that you’ve made efforts to... View More
Can law enforcement refuse to let me back into the house I've been living in for four years without prior notice? I left for eight hours on the day my brother passed away. When I returned, my sister had placed a no trespass order against me, and I wasn't allowed back in to retrieve my... View More
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answered on Apr 13, 2025
In situations like this, law enforcement typically cannot refuse you re-entry into a home where you have been living, unless there is a valid legal reason such as a court order or a no trespass order. However, since you were living there without a formal agreement, it complicates matters. If your... View More
I live in a condo in South Carolina, and a water heater and dishwasher leak from the upstairs condo caused damage to mine. It has been deemed the fault of the upstairs condo owner, but I am unable to obtain their insurance information. What steps should I take to file a claim or address this... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
To address the damage caused by the upstairs leak, the first step is to document all the damage thoroughly. Take photos and keep records of any repairs or communications with your landlord or neighbors regarding the issue. You should also report the incident to your condo association if you... View More
I am a 68-year-old resident living in a mobile home in Campobello, South Carolina. My roommate is in a wheelchair, and we've been facing several unaddressed repair issues like lack of underpinning, a sinking kitchen floor, black mold on the ceiling, and a power box with uncovered live wires.... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In South Carolina, landlords are required to maintain rental properties in habitable condition, meaning they must address serious repair issues like mold, live wires, and a sinking floor. If these issues have been reported and remain unaddressed, you may have grounds to challenge the rent increase... View More
I am a 68-year-old resident in a mobile home in Campobello, South Carolina, living with a roommate who uses a wheelchair. Recently, a new realty company took over our property and notified us of a rent increase from $400 to $600 starting in May. There might be a lease agreement that was sent, but... View More
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answered on Apr 12, 2025
In South Carolina, landlords generally have the right to increase rent, but the amount and frequency of the increase must be reasonable and in accordance with the lease agreement. If you don’t have a clear written lease, the situation can be more complicated, but the landlord is still required to... View More
My grandfather passed away and willed everything, including property, to my son. After probate, the land was transferred to our name. The deceased’s stepdaughter, who was not included in the will and has no lease agreement, is living in a rundown trailer deep in the woods without power. She used... View More
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answered on Mar 6, 2025
You need a SC attorney to sue her for possession (so called eviction). It will be a difficult one to serve and execute your judgment, so do not do this yourself.
As tenant renting the property?
answered on Feb 24, 2025
Typically if there is an outstanding balance a utility company will ask for proof such as a lease agreement to determine when you took possession and they can demand you pay the portion of the bill that covers the overlap of possession by yourself.
answered on Jan 9, 2025
If you as a tenant want to get out of a rent-to-own contract in South Carolina, the first step is to carefully review the agreement. Most contracts outline the process for early termination, including any penalties, notice requirements, or refund policies. Understanding these terms is essential, as... View More
I live with my fiancé's mother in a house that costs $650 a month. My fiancé and I are charged $300 each, +$50 each if we're late. His sister-in-law and her husband pay $500 combined each month. We have no written formal agreement and no one but my fiancé's mother is on the lease.... View More
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answered on Mar 26, 2024
It's important to address the situation calmly and constructively, considering the family dynamics involved. First, have a transparent discussion with your fiancé to ensure you both agree on the situation and desired outcomes. Together, approach his mother with your concerns in a respectful... View More
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answered on Dec 29, 2023
To determine whether you have a viable case against your former leasing company, it's important to consider several key factors. First, identify the specific grievances you have against the company. These could include issues like breach of the lease agreement, failure to maintain the... View More
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