my landlord is a lawyer. he filed eviction on the 21 of june i got a letter on the door the 26, my locks were changed on the the 30th. he subpeoned me on the 5th of july to come to his office to show when my utilities were terminated. i went to the magistrate court to comply to the eviction only because he locked me out the aprtment and removed my stuff, is it right for him to file eviction then change the locks 4 days later saying i abandoned the property and subpeoned me days later wanting to know when they were terminated can he keep my things or should he have done this first then change and remove my belongings, in columbia scl
Optional Information: Country relating to Question: United States State (if USA): South Carolina Already Tried: i seeked a attorney because of the eviction but i dont want to live there i was just going to see if i can get my belongings back.thats what magistrate suggested i do, not only that i went to talk with my landlord he told me i couldnt get my belongings until magistrate otherwise and he told me on the 5th of july that he filed abandonment that tuesday july 3rd but i just got the letter in the mail today july7 he subpeoned to be in his office friday not at court
South Carolina prohibits self help by the landlord in evicting a tenant. The landlord is legally prohibited from changing the locks or taking any action to force the tenant to leave. They have to have a court order and then the sheriff would evict the tenant. You can sue the landlord for wrongful eviction and get damages for changing the locks and removing your property.
Experience: Attorney with over 25 years of experience.