The Lancaster County Council has established the rates for housing programs in the county through an ordinance. Unfortunately, staff members do not have the authority to reduce or waive these rates. Additionally, our office is responsible for collecting service impact rates, school impact rates, and building valuation data for the website and PDFs per square foot by occupancy and type of construction. This information outlines the rights and duties of landlords and tenants in accordance with the South Carolina Landlords and Tenants Act. Recently, SC Housing has made it easier for applicants to provide documentation by allowing residents of 196 zip codes to simply credit their income instead of providing paperwork (see the map and full list of zip codes here).
All tenants must be treated equitably when it comes to following the rules and regulations, and they must be notified when entering into a lease agreement or when the rules are approved. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has also partnered with other organizations to create a housing assistance website to help landlords and renters during the coronavirus pandemic. Failure to comply with housing program rules in Lancaster County can result in serious penalties. Landlords who do not follow the rules may be subject to fines, eviction proceedings, or even criminal charges. Tenants who violate the rules may also face eviction proceedings or other legal action.
It is important for both landlords and tenants to understand their rights and responsibilities under the law. The best way to avoid penalties for not complying with housing program rules in Lancaster County is to stay informed about all applicable laws and regulations. Landlords should make sure they are familiar with all local ordinances and regulations that apply to their rental property. Tenants should also read their lease agreement carefully before signing it and make sure they understand all of its terms. It is also important for both landlords and tenants to keep up with any changes in local laws or regulations that may affect their rental agreement. If either party has any questions or concerns about their rights or responsibilities under the law, they should contact an experienced attorney who can provide legal advice.