What are the laws regarding locking tenants out of their rental properties?
In South Carolina, a landlord is prohibited from locking tenants out of their rental property without following proper legal procedures. This includes obtaining an order from the court or obtaining possession of the rental property through legal action. The landlord must also give the tenant written notice of the eviction before locking out the tenant. If the landlord locks the tenant out of the rental property without following legal procedures, he or she is considered to be committing an illegal lockout. This can result in the tenant filing a lawsuit against the landlord for damages. The tenant could potentially receive up to three times the amount of rent for the duration of the lockout if they are successful in court. A landlord can also be reprimanded for locking out a tenant without following legal procedures. Depending on the circumstances, the landlord could face criminal charges or pay fines. Additionally, the tenant can seek a court order to have the locks changed and the tenant reinstated on the property. Tenants have to comply with their lease agreement and the law in order to avoid a potential eviction and lockout. Tenants should be familiar with their rights and duties before signing a lease or renting a property in South Carolina. This will help to make sure that their rights are protected and that their tenancy is in compliance with the law.
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