South Carolina bill aids tenants escaping domestic violence with early lease termination rights

The South Carolina House Judiciary Committee has advanced a significant bill aimed at protecting tenants who are victims of domestic abuse. This legislation allows a protected tenant to terminate their rental agreement within 60 days of a qualifying incident without incurring penalties typically associated with early termination.

Under this bill, a "protected tenant" is defined as an individual or household member who has experienced domestic violence, as outlined by current state law. To qualify, the incident must be documented through a restraining order, an order of protection, or a conviction of the perpetrator. Tenants must notify their landlords within 60 days of the incident and vacate the premises, while still being responsible for rent during that period, excluding early termination fees.

The bill also stipulates that landlords cannot force a protected tenant to leave the property before the 30-day notice period, although earlier termination can be negotiated. Additionally, landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants for exercising their rights under this legislation.

This initiative follows a similar bill from the previous session, which faced extensive debate and was ultimately passed by the House but stalled in the Senate. The current version has been refined through negotiations involving various stakeholders, including the Apartment Owners Association and victims' rights advocates, ensuring that all parties had input in the final language.

As this bill moves forward, it represents a crucial step in providing safety and support for tenants facing domestic violence, reinforcing the state's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals in housing situations.