According to NBC News, about 52% of renters in South Carolina are at risk of eviction. Tenants often face this risk if they're unable to pay their rent. However, other reasons may necessitate evictions.
As a landlord, you must know there is a right and wrong way of evicting tenants from your property. Read on as we explore the eviction process in Charleston and how you can legally protect yourself.
The Eviction Process in Charleston
Legal rental evictions in Charleston have to follow a rigid process. Failure to do so can result in drawn-out issues that will only stress you out as a property owner. The first step in any eviction process is identifying the reason for eviction.
The second step is providing written notice to the tenant. The eviction laws in South Carolina don't require landlords to provide notice if the lease is not week-to-week or month-to-month.
You also don't have to provide written notice if the lease specifies that you have the right to evict a tenant due to failure to pay rent. Other steps involved in the eviction process include:
- Filing an eviction application in the magistrate's court
- The tenant will get served with the ruling of the court
- A court hearing may occur if the tenant is fighting the eviction
- Issuing a writ of ejectment ordering the tenant to vacate within a day
Landlord eviction rights are subject to change. Working with a professional property manager can help you streamline any tenant problems. Property managers can enforce your lease in accordance with the law.
Reasons for Evictions in Charleston
The most common reason for evictions in Charleston is failure to pay rent. Tenants must honor their rental obligations if they want to stay in your property. You should consider the grace period when assessing if a tenant is unable or simply late on their rent payment.
Violating the terms of the lease is another critical reason for evictions. You must regularly inspect your rental units to ensure they're in good condition.
Other reasons that may warrant an eviction include:
- Wrongful use of the property
- Failure to keep the property free of damage or clean
- End of the lease period
You should review Charleston tenant policies when beginning the eviction process.
How to Avoid Common Eviction Pitfalls
Legal evictions are time-consuming and stressful, and landlords may make mistakes that can harm their interests if a tenant chooses to contest the process. Some of the common pitfalls you should avoid when evicting tenants are:
- Following self-eviction tactics
- Shutting off utilities to the unit
- Failing to give notice prior to the eviction
Working with a professional property manager is the best way to initiate the eviction process successfully. Relying on the insights of these managers can guarantee your property portfolio's long-term stability.
Get Help With Evictions Today
Understanding and mastering evictions is crucial for protecting your real estate investment. But the process can be overwhelmingly stressful if you don't have the right support.
Luckily, that's where Adams Properties, Powered by PMI, comes in. We offer services and solutions for property management in Charleston. From rent collection and optimized financial management to tenant screening, we have everything you need to grow your portfolio.
Contact us today to learn how we can safeguard your investment.