This category addresses the real-world legal challenges landlords and property managers face in South Carolina. Topics include tenant screening, evictions, lease enforcement, fair housing compliance, and court procedures. The focus is on risk reduction, procedural clarity, and protecting rental investments through legally sound practices.
You stop by a rental unit to check on a late payment and find the door unlocked, the lights off, and the furniture removed. In that moment, it’s natural to wonder what happens when a tenant abandons a property, especially since changing the locks too soon can create legal trouble. Mishandling the situation exposes you […]
What To Do if Your Tenant Abandons a Property Read More »
You noticed a leak in the ceiling last week and submitted a maintenance request, yet nothing has happened. Moments like this leave renters unsure where simple inconvenience ends and legal duty begins. Habitability standards under state law offer real protection, though tenants often do not know what those rules actually cover. Many renters find themselves
What Are a Landlord’s Responsibilities for Repairs? Read More »
Discovering a broken heater in January or a leaking ceiling after weeks of rain can leave you frustrated as a tenant. You pay your rent on time, yet the property remains in poor condition despite repeated requests for help. Many South Carolina tenants naturally wonder whether pausing payments is a legal way to compel their
When Can a Tenant Withhold Rent? Read More »
You’ve just received a troubling message from your landlord, who wants to break your lease early. At this point, your first thought might be, “Can my landlord do this?” That question feels even more urgent when you have followed the rules and paid rent on time. Not every attempt to end a lease is lawful,
Can a Landlord Break a Lease Early? Read More »
When a landlord sues a tenant for unpaid rent, South Carolina law allows them to pursue both removal from the property and a money judgment for what is owed, often in a single Magistrate Court filing. Matejka Law LLC helps property owners enforce their rights and move forward. When a Rental Dispute Calls for a
Can a Landlord Sue a Tenant for Unpaid Rent? Read More »
When a rental dispute escalates, heading straight to court is not always the fastest or most practical path. Landlord-tenant mediation gives both parties a structured way to work through disagreements without the delays and costs of litigation. Matejka Law LLC shares the following discussion on how mediation works in landlord-tenant disputes to help you approach
How Mediation Works in Landlord-Tenant Disputes Read More »
Finding mold in your rental, especially in places like the bathroom or HVAC vents, is more than just frustrating. It can also be a health hazard and a sign that the property isn’t being maintained. At that point, tenants start asking the question: “Can a tenant sue a landlord for mold?” Sometimes, yes, but it
Can a Tenant Sue a Landlord for Mold? Read More »
Most landlords hope that they never lose a tenant unexpectedly. It happens, though, and knowing the right steps to take to protect everyone’s interests matters more than you might expect. So, what should a landlord do when a tenant dies? How can you protect the property, preserve your legal rights, and avoid costly mistakes? In
What Should a Landlord Do When a Tenant Dies? Read More »
If you own rental property in South Carolina and a tenant reports an injury, you need to understand where your legal exposure begins and ends. Matejka Law LLC represents property owners in these situations, and this post walks you through whether a tenant can sue a landlord for injury under South Carolina law and what
Can a Tenant Sue a Landlord for Injury? Read More »
If you own rental property and a tenant has left behind significant damage or unpaid rent, you may be wondering exactly what legal options you have. Matejka Law LLC wants to help answer the question, “Can a landlord sue a tenant for damages?” and discuss the procedures and pitfalls that determine whether a landlord actually
Can Landlords Sue Tenants for Damage? Read More »