The bill H. 3569 aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws to provide protections for residential tenants who are victims of domestic violence. It introduces a new section, 27-40-350, which allows "protected tenants" to terminate their rental agreements within sixty days of a documented qualifying incident without incurring penalties or fees. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the protected tenant, including providing written notice to the landlord and continuing to pay rent until the termination date. It also stipulates that landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising these rights and must allow them to remain in the residence for at least thirty days after the incident.

Additionally, the bill amends Section 27-40-210 to define key terms such as "protected tenant" and "qualifying incident," which includes domestic abuse or violence as defined in existing law. The definitions clarify that both the victim and the perpetrator must be leaseholders on the same property for the protections to apply. This legislation seeks to enhance the safety and rights of tenants facing domestic violence while ensuring that landlords are aware of their obligations and limitations in these situations.

Statutes affected:
12/12/2024: 27-40-350, 27-40-210
Latest Version: 27-40-350, 27-40-210