Nataliya Matejka

Nataliya Matejka, Esq. is a South Carolina and Washington-licensed attorney and the founder of Matejka Law, a firm focused on landlord-tenant law, business law, and nonprofit law. With over 20 years of real-world experience in property management and entrepreneurship, Nataliya brings a practical, results-driven approach to legal counsel for landlords, property managers, business owners, and nonprofit leaders. Before becoming an attorney, Nataliya owned and operated a property management company managing more than 500 residential properties, giving her firsthand insight into the legal, financial, and operational challenges her clients face. She has handled hundreds of eviction cases, advised on lease compliance and risk mitigation, and guided businesses and nonprofits through formation, governance, and regulatory compliance. Nataliya earned her Juris Doctor from Charleston School of Law while raising four daughters and running a business. She is admitted to practice in South Carolina, Washington State, and the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. Her work emphasizes clarity, compliance, and proactive legal strategy—helping clients prevent disputes before they arise and protect their long-term interests.

landlord harassment

What Qualifies as Landlord Harassment?

When you rent a home, you have the right to a basic expectation of privacy, safety, and fair treatment. Unfortunately, disputes sometimes arise between landlords and tenants, and not every disagreement stays within legal boundaries. South Carolina law provides certain protections for renters, but not every uncomfortable situation qualifies as harassment. Understanding what qualifies as

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LLC for Rental Property: Benefits and Liability Protection

Introduction Owning rental property can be a powerful long-term investment—but it also comes with legal risk. In South Carolina, landlords face potential liability from tenant injuries, property disputes, unpaid rent, and lawsuits tied to property ownership. One of the most common questions landlords ask is whether an LLC for rental property makes sense. Forming a

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Understanding Tenant Application Fraud and Fair Housing Laws

Tenant Application Fraud: A Growing Threat to Modern Tenant Screening Tenant screening has always been the cornerstone of successful property management. It’s where trust begins between landlord and tenant—and where, frankly, most of your future headaches can be avoided. In recent years, however, tenant application fraud has escalated into a daily challenge for landlords and

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South Carolina Security Deposit Law: 30-Day Rule, Deductions

Navigating security deposit law in South Carolina can be challenging for landlords. Understanding these laws is crucial for maintaining smooth tenant relations. This guide explains the security deposit disposition South Carolina requires and the security deposit return South Carolina landlords must complete within statutory timelines for South Carolina rentals. Security deposits serve as a financial

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Tenant Screening Failures and Fiduciary Duty in SC

Tenant screening failures are one of the most common — and costly — mistakes in property management. When property managers fail to properly screen tenants, property owners face unpaid rent, legal disputes, property damage, and long-term financial loss. These failures reflect poor tenant screening and undermine property owner risk management. In South Carolina, property managers

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Understanding the Eviction Process in South Carolina

Navigating the eviction process in South Carolina can be daunting for landlords.  Understanding the legal steps is crucial to ensure compliance and protect your rights. Evictions often arise from tenant disputes, non-payment of rent, or lease violations. Each situation requires a specific approach and adherence to state laws. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview

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Tenant Screening Issues: Common Problems and Solutions

Tenant screening is the cornerstone of successful property ownership and a critical component of landlord risk management. When tenant screening issues arise, the consequences extend far beyond a single lease decision. It establishes trust between landlord and tenant and serves as the first line of defense against tenant screening risks, including fraud, unpaid rent, and

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COLUMBIA SC USA-7 JANUARY 2020 The South Carolina Supreme Court building was originally built as a US Post Office Finished in 1921 it is a two-story Neo-Classical style

Letter to the SC Supreme Court: Plea for Procedural Fairness

Executive Summary South Carolina’s magistrate court and circuit courts play a critical role in resolving landlord-tenant disputes efficiently and fairly. In practice, however, procedural inconsistency, judicial discretion that overrides statutory mandates, and systemic delays have eroded predictability—particularly in eviction cases. This open letter to the South Carolina Supreme Court outlines recurring failures observed across multiple

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Building Safety Checklist for Landlords and Property Managers

Ensuring building safety is not just good property management—it is a legal responsibility and a key factor in managing premises liability for landlords. For South Carolina landlords and property managers, maintaining safe rental properties plays a critical role in protecting tenants, visitors, and your financial investment while reducing exposure to premises liability claims. A proactive

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