summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
126th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Amend The South Carolina Code Of Laws By Amending Section 27-40-120, Relating To The Purposes And Rules Of Construction For The Residential Landlord And Tenant Act, So As To Exempt Certain Tenancies From The Act; By Adding Section 45-2-65 So As To Authorize An Innkeeper To Request Assistance From Law Enforcement To Eject A Person And To Provide That A Person Ejected From A Campground Has Ten Days To Make A Claim For Property Left At The Time Of Ejectment; By Adding Section 27-37-200 So As To Provide That A Property Owner May Request From The Sheriff Immediate Removal Of A Person Unlawfully Occupying A Residential Dwelling Pursuant To This Section Provided Certain Conditions Are Met; By Adding Section 16-11-785 So As To Provide That A Person Who Unlawfully Detains Or Occupies Or Trespasses Upon A Residential Dwelling And Who Intentionally Damages The Dwelling Causing More Than One Thousand Dollars In Damage Is Guilty Of A Felony; By Adding Section 16-11-790 So As To Provide That A Person Who Lists Or Advertises Residential Real Property For Sale Knowing That The Seller Has No Legal Authority Or Rents Knowing The Person Has No Lawful Ownership In The Property Is Guilty Of A Felony; And By Adding Section 16-11-795 So As To Provide That A Person Who Knowingly Presents To Another Person A False Document Purporting To Be A Valid Lease Agreement, Deed, Or Other Instrument Is Guilty Of A Misdemeanor.
AI Summary
This bill introduces several significant changes to South Carolina law regarding property occupancy, landlord-tenant relations, and property rights. The bill expands the list of tenancy arrangements exempt from the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, such as temporary camping accommodations and charitable shelter residences. It grants campground owners the right to request law enforcement assistance to remove tenants who disrupt other tenants' peaceful enjoyment, with provisions for handling abandoned property. The bill also creates a new legal mechanism for property owners to request immediate removal of unauthorized occupants from residential dwellings through the county sheriff, requiring detailed documentation and sworn statements. Additionally, the bill establishes new criminal offenses related to property occupation, including making it a felony to intentionally damage a residential dwelling while unlawfully occupying it, to list or advertise property for sale without legal authority, or to knowingly present false documents like fraudulent lease agreements. These provisions aim to protect property owners' rights, prevent unauthorized occupancy, and create clear legal procedures for addressing such situations, with potential criminal penalties for violations. The bill takes effect upon the Governor's approval.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Judiciary (on 01/14/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=69&session=126&summary=B |
| Fiscal Note - S0069 2025-01-14 Introduced | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/fiscalimpactstatements/S0069%202025-01-14%20introduced.pdf |
| BillText | https://www.scstatehouse.gov/sess126_2025-2026/prever/69_20241211.htm |
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