S.C. Code Ann. § 31-21-80
Interference with the exercise of any right under this chapter
Operative Text
It is unlawful to coerce, intimidate, threaten, or interfere with any person in the exercise of, or on account of his having aided or encouraged any other person in the exercise of, any right granted under this chapter.
Section 31-21-80 of the South Carolina Code makes it unlawful for anyone to use coercion, intimidation, threats, or interference against a person who is exercising rights established under Chapter 21, or against someone who has helped or encouraged another person to exercise those rights. The provision creates a broad protective umbrella that covers both the person asserting a right and any third party who supports them in doing so. This rule applies regardless of which party in a housing relationship initiates the prohibited conduct.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 31-21-80, property owners and managers are expected to refrain from any conduct that could be characterized as coercive, threatening, or interfering when a tenant exercises a statutory right under Chapter 21. Compliant operators generally avoid actions such as raising rents, reducing services, or making verbal or written threats in response to a tenant's assertion of rights or a tenant's assistance to a neighbor doing the same. Maintaining clear, documented, and neutral communication practices helps demonstrate that management actions are taken for legitimate operational reasons rather than in response to protected activity.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
S.C. Code Ann. § 31-21-80 protects tenants not only when they personally exercise rights under Chapter 21, but also when they assist or encourage other tenants in doing so. If a tenant believes a landlord has responded to protected activity with threats, intimidation, or interference, that conduct may constitute a violation of this provision and could be raised as a defense in a legal proceeding or as the basis for a complaint. Tenant-rights organizations in South Carolina can help individuals understand what conduct may fall under this protection and what general options exist for addressing it.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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