S 19

Abstract

A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ENACTING THE "HEALTHY RENTAL HOUSING ACT" BY ADDING SECTION 27-40-635 SO AS TO PROVIDE REMEDIES FOR TENANTS OF RESIDENTIAL RENTAL PROPERTIES WITH MOLD THAT MATERIALLY AFFECTS THE HEALTH OR SAFETY OF THE TENANT OR AUTHORIZED OCCUPANT OF THE RENTAL PROPERTY; BY AMENDING SECTION 27-40-210, RELATING TO DEFINITIONS IN THE RESIDENTIAL LANDLORD AND TENANT ACT, SO AS TO DEFINE ADDITIONAL NECESSARY TERMINOLOGY; BY AMENDING SECTION 27-40-420, RELATING TO CERTAIN WRITTEN DISCLOSURES THAT LANDLORDS MUST MAKE TO RESIDENTIAL TENANTS, SO AS TO REQUIRE WRITTEN DISCLOSURE OF VISIBLE EVIDENCE OF MOLD IN AREAS READILY ACCESSIBLE WITHIN THE INTERIOR OF THE DWELLING UNIT, AND TO PROVIDE OPTIONS FOR A TENANT TO WHOM THE LANDLORD DISCLOSES THE PRESENCE OF SUCH MOLD; BY AMENDING SECTION 27-40-440, RELATING TO LANDLORD OBLIGATIONS TO MAINTAIN RENTAL UNITS AND PREMISES, SO AS TO PROVIDE LANDLORDS SHALL MAINTAIN THE RENTAL UNITS AND PREMISES IN A CONDITION APPROPRIATE TO PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF MOISTURE AND THE GROWTH OF MOLD, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN NOTICE REQUIREMENTS WHEN SUCH MOISTURE OR MOLD IS FOUND; AND BY AMENDING SECTION 27-40-510, RELATING TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF TENANTS WITH RESPECT TO RENTAL UNITS AND PREMISES, SO AS TO PROVIDE TENANTS SHALL USE REASONABLE EFFORTS TO MAINTAIN THE PREMISES IN A CONDITION APPROPRIATE TO PREVENT THE ACCUMULATION OF MOISTURE AND THE GROWTH OF MOLD, AND TO PROVIDE CERTAIN NOTICE REQUIREMENTS WHEN SUCH MOISTURE OR MOLD IS FOUND.