It's time for renters facing eviction to have a right to counsel

Act Now

Too often, South Carolinians are faced with evictions that threaten their homes, families, and well-being. In almost every case, people facing eviction are left to navigate that complex legal hurdle by themselves, without legal representation. This systematically sets up tenants to fail, forcing them to leave their homes and leaving them to deal with the devastating, long-lasting impacts of eviction.

In more than 99% of eviction proceedings, renters have no legal representation, which most often results in displacement that can trigger devastating repercussions for renters and their families including homelessness and poor health and education outcomes. The majority of the renters who qualify for eviction right to counsel are female heads of household, meaning that this program can keep mothers and their children from being removed from their homes.

Message Recipients:
W. Weston Newton, Chair of the South Carolina House Judiciary Committee
Your State Representative
Your State Senator

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Subject

I am writing today to ask you to co-sponsor legislation guaranteeing Eviction Right to Counsel for all South Carolinians.

Message Body

This policy, previously introduced as H. 3844 during the 2023-24 legislative session, would positively change the lives of tens of thousands of South Carolinians while saving the state money. By guaranteeing legal counsel to families facing eviction, you can help keep mothers and their children from experiencing the devastating impacts of displacement, including poor health and education outcomes.

Additionally, we know from other states where this policy has been adopted that when renters have legal representation, rental property owners are more likely to receive amounts due without costly collection efforts. This policy is a win for all of us.

By guaranteeing that renters facing eviction have an advocate by their side in court, South Carolina could realize $21 million in fiscal benefits, and nearly 18,300 renters annually could likely avoid a disruptive displacement such as missing work or school, loss of possessions, and high levels of stress. For more statistics and research on the specific impact of this policy proposal in South Carolina, check out this page: https://www.aclusc.org/en/our-work/south-carolina-renters-should-have-right-legal-counsel-when-facing-eviction

South Carolina has one of the highest eviction rates in the country, and it’s time we create an legal representation program to benefit both renters and landlords.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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It's time for renters facing eviction to have a right to counsel

Act Now

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