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1. How much notice must be given before either the landlord or the tenant can end the rental agreement?

If your agreement is written, the amount of notice should be stated in that document. If you have an oral agreement, either the landlord or the tenant may end the rental agreement by giving proper notice to the other party. Proper notice is seven days if you rent by the week and 30 days if you rent by the month. The notice must be in writing.

2. What happens to the security deposit if the landlord sells the place you are renting?

You have a right to have your security deposit returned to you when the rental agreement ends.

3. I can't afford to have my water turned on right now; can I be forced to move out?

Yes. It is illegal to live in unsanitary conditions and not having working plumbing is considered one of those conditions.

4. If I have not paid my rent, can the landlord take any of my property?

The landlord must first appear before a magistrate, the magistrate must issue a distress warrant, and then you can be served with the distress warrant. The distress warrant allows the landlord to hold your property although some property cannot be taken.

If you are served with a distress warrant, you should consult a lawyer immediately. If you move out and leave some property, the landlord still has to obtain permission from the court to hold and sell your property.

5. Can my landlord evict me for complaining about the condition of my apartment?

It is illegal for a landlord to retaliate on a tenant for complaining.

6. Can my landlord evict me if I am criminally convicted for breaking the law in my home?

The landlord has the authority to remove someone from their property if criminally convicted of an act that takes place in their home. It is illegal to use your home to commit a crime or allow your family or anyone else to commit a crime in your home.

7. Can the landlord refuse to make repairs if I'm late or behind in paying rent?

The landlord must comply with requirements of state and local buildings and housing codes which generally require the property to be kept in good repair. The landlord is responsible for providing what is known as essential services to the rental units. With few exceptions, the landlord must provide sanitary plumbing or sewer services and electrical and gas connections, used for heating, hot water or cooking. The landlord must also maintain a reasonably good and safe working order of all appliances supplied or required to be supplied by him.

8. What can the landlord do if I damage his property?

The landlord can send you a written notice that the damage must be repaired within 14 days. If you do not have the repairs made within 14 days, the landlord may enter the apartment and make the repairs and may also petition the court to evict you.

9. Does the law help me if I have been discriminated against in renting an apartment?

If you feel you have been discriminated against, you should call the Housing Discrimination Hotline. The toll-free number is 800-424-8590.

10. Is there any limit to how much rent I can be charged?

There is no rent control in South Carolina unless you live in housing where your rent is based on your income.