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. Even more often, 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

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Your Message
Use the form to send a message to your legislator.

I am writing today to ask you not only to vote yes on H. 3844, Eviction Right to Counsel, but also to sign on as a co-sponsor.

This bill 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.

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.

Please vote yes on H. 3844.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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