SC Renters with Mold Problems Have Very Few Options

Summary

South Carolina state law offers two options for renters with mold problems if landlords refuse to make a repair:

• Move
• Take the owner to magistrate court

Renters with mold are also advised to call South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs to determine if they can break their lease without penalty.  If available, the process requires putting their concerns in writing to the agency.  If the mold is affecting the family’s healthy, they should notify their landlord in writing, stating that they will move if the problem is not fixed within 14 days.

To reach out to the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs, visit https://consumer.sc.gov/. The agency office is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. SCDCA’s main reception telephone number is 1-800-922-1594 (toll-free in S.C.) or 803-734-4200.

For more information, click here to read the full article written by Seanna Adcock for Post and Currier News.

For additional information about renter’s rights, click here.

Additional Comments

State Representative Roger Kirby said, “There’s absolutely nothing in the state of South Carolina to protect the public. Anybody who wants to say, ‘I’m a mold abater’. All they have to do is hang a shingle.” Mr. Kirby sits on a joint House-Senate mold-abatement study committee hoping to find solutions to mold growth caused by flooding. Mold can cause respiratory issues, fatigue and skin conditions in some people. Although a report was due to be presented to the Legislature before year end, there has been no report of such action.

Author: Carolyn Willbanks