How can a landlord legally increase the rent on a month-to-month rental agreement?
In South Carolina, landlords can legally increase the rent on a month-to-month rental agreement in accordance with the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. This law requires that landlords give tenants at least a 30-day notice before raising the rent. This should be done in writing and should include the amount of the rent increase, the date that the tenant needs to pay the increased amount, and a statement that the tenant has the right to dispute the rent increase. The law also states that the rent increase cannot be more than 10% of the current rent unless the lease allows for higher rent increases. When the tenant receives the notice of the rent increase, they have a few options. If the tenant wishes to dispute the rent increase, they must provide written notice to the landlord within 15 days of receiving the notice. The tenant must provide proof of why they disagree with the rent increase and the landlord must provide proof that the increase is reasonable. The landlord and tenant can then personally discuss the dispute or seek mediation or arbitration services from a third-party. If the tenant does not dispute the rent increase, then they must pay the new rent amount starting on the date specified in the notice of the rent increase. The tenant is also allowed to terminate the lease if they are unable to pay the increased rent. Overall, landlords can legally increase the rent on a month-to-month rental agreement in South Carolina, however, both the landlord and tenant must abide by the rules and regulations of the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
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