COLUMBIA, S.C. —
People living in one apartment building at the Boulder Creek Apartments had to leave their homes earlier this week due to hazardous electrical problems.
“Landlords have lots of responsibilities under the law, and they center around safety and health,” said Carri Grub Lybarker, the administrator and consumer advocate at the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs.
The law that helps tenants is the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
“The landlord has to make sure they are complying with building codes that deals with health and safety," Grub Lybarker said. "Then they also have to make sure that they are keeping a rental unit in fit and livable conditions.”
People at the Boulder Creek Apartments have rights to essential services, including electricity, plumbing and running water. When they have problems, they can seek advice and resources at the South Carolina Department of Affairs on Greystone Boulevard.
“We are the consumer protection agency,” said Grub Lybarker. "Our staff is knowledgeable about the various laws for consumers, and they want to make sure people are aware of those and certainly always try to get a resolution."
Renters can sue their landlords or break their leases if they do not make the essential repairs within days.