Eviction Shouldn’t Be a Life Sentence

In South Carolina, an eviction filing becomes public record the moment it’s made — even if the tenant was never evicted, won their case, or paid and got caught up.

That filing follows every day, working-class people for life. Landlords and property management use that information to determine if they'll rent to you, and without any context, an eviction record bars potential tenants from housing before they even get a chance to view a property. Many companies use automated screening systems and AI tools that automatically deny anyone with an eviction filing in their history — no questions asked.

This system locks individuals and families out of housing, forces people into unsafe or overpriced rentals, and pushes too many South Carolinians into houselessness, instability, and harm.

The Numbers Are Clear

South Carolina has one of the highest eviction filing rates in the nation.

• Between June 2024 and June 2025, Greenville had an eviction filing rate of 20%.
• Charleston saw more than 10,500 eviction filings during the same period.
• Since March 2020, there have been over 593,000 eviction filings statewide.
• Black women, especially mothers, are disproportionately targeted.

This is not about personal failure.
This is policy-driven harm — and we can choose something different.

What H.4270 Does

The Eviction Record Sealing Bill gives renters a fair chance at stable housing.

H.4270 would:

• Remove eviction filings from public view when no eviction order was issued
• Allow sealing of eviction records after six years
• Prevent a one-time crisis from becoming a permanent barrier
• Help thousands of families access safe, stable homes

This bill is simple, bipartisan, and common sense.

What’s Standing in the Way?

For H.4270 to move forward, lawmakers must:

Schedule a Subcommittee Hearing.

No hearing = no vote.
No vote = no second chances.
No second chances = tenants continue to suffer.

Your Voice Can Change This

Legislators need to hear directly from tenants, families, neighbors, and community members across the state.

Tell them: Put H.4270 on the agenda and schedule a subcommittee hearing.

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