What are the rights of a tenant if a landlord fails to make promised repairs?
In South Carolina, a tenant has certain rights when a landlord fails to make promised repairs. A tenant has the right to terminate the lease if the landlord fails to make repairs within a reasonable amount of time according to state law. A tenant can also withhold rent payments until the repairs are completed, but the tenant must use part of the withheld money to make the repairs themselves. The tenant must also put the money in an escrow account and notify the landlord of their intention to repair and deduct money from the rent. In addition, a tenant can sue their landlord for any damages caused by the landlord’s failure to make repairs. The tenant must provide evidence that the landlord did not follow through on their promise and must provide a detailed description of the damages. If the court agrees that the landlord is at fault and the tenant is eligible for compensation, the tenant may receive damages from the landlord. Finally, if the landlord has not taken any action to make the repairs even after being notified by the tenant, the tenant can file a complaint with the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs. The Department will then investigate the complaint and take any necessary action to ensure that the landlord complies with the law.
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