What can a tenant seek if the landlord fails to provide essential services after proper notice?

When a landlord fails to provide essential services, a tenant has certain rights under South Carolina law. One key option available is the right to terminate the lease. This action is based on the premise that essential services—such as heat, water, and electricity—are fundamental to the habitability of the rental property. If the landlord does not address these issues after being properly notified, the tenant is justified in seeking to terminate the lease agreement.

This approach allows the tenant to vacate the property without penalty due to the landlord’s failure to uphold their responsibilities. By providing the tenant a legal pathway to terminate the lease, the law ensures that individuals are not stuck in an uninhabitable living situation without recourse.

Understanding this right emphasizes the importance of landlords meeting their legal obligations and encourages tenants to know their rights if such situations arise.