The "Healthy Rental Housing Act" aims to enhance tenant protections regarding mold in residential rental properties in South Carolina. The bill introduces a new section, 27-40-635, which allows landlords to require tenants to temporarily vacate their units for mold remediation, providing comparable housing or hotel accommodations at no cost to the tenant during this period. However, tenants remain responsible for rent payments throughout the remediation process. The bill also clarifies that landlords are responsible for mold remediation costs unless the mold results from tenant negligence.

Additionally, the bill amends several existing sections of the South Carolina Code to include definitions related to mold, enhance disclosure requirements regarding visible mold, and establish landlord obligations to prevent moisture accumulation and mold growth. Specifically, it mandates that landlords disclose any visible evidence of mold before tenancy and maintain the premises to prevent mold issues. Tenants are also required to take reasonable steps to prevent mold growth and notify landlords of any moisture or mold they observe. These changes aim to improve the health and safety conditions of rental properties in the state.

Statutes affected:
12/05/2024: 27-40-635, 27-40-210, 27-40-420, 27-40-440, 27-40-510
Latest Version: 27-40-635, 27-40-210, 27-40-420, 27-40-440, 27-40-510
12/06/2024: 27-40-635, 27-40-210, 27-40-420, 27-40-440, 27-40-510