Eviction Shouldn’t Be a Life Sentence

In South Carolina, an eviction filing becomes public record the moment it’s filed even if the tenant was never evicted, won their case, or paid the balance and stayed in their home.

That filing can follow working-class people for life.

Landlords and property managers use eviction filings to screen tenants, often without any context. Many companies rely on automated screening systems and AI tools that instantly deny anyone with an eviction filing in their history.

No explanation.
No second chance.

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

We can do better.

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 a 20% eviction filing rate

• Charleston saw more than 10,500 eviction filings during that same period

• Since March 2020, there have been over 593,000 eviction filings statewide

• Black women, especially mothers, are disproportionately impacted

This is not about personal failure.

This is policy-driven harm and we have the power to change it.

The Momentum Is Growing

Earlier this year, H.4270, the Eviction Record Sealing Bill, passed subcommittee with a unanimous YES vote.

The hearing room was packed with South Carolinians calling for change.

Tenants, educators, landlords, small business owners, healthcare workers, and faith leaders all spoke in support.

More than 150 written testimonies were submitted from across the state.

This bill has also received input and support from stakeholders across the housing system, including the South Carolina Apartment Association and real estate leaders.

This is what bipartisan, common-sense policy looks like.

Now the momentum is growing even stronger.

A companion bill, S.983, has been introduced in the South Carolina Senate.

This gives us a real opportunity to move eviction record sealing forward in both chambers of the legislature.

What the Bills Would Do

The Eviction Record Sealing legislation would give renters a fair chance at stable housing.

These bills would:

• Allow eviction records to be sealed after five years
• Prevent a one-time crisis from becoming a permanent barrier
• Help thousands of South Carolina families access safe, stable homes

S.983 is simple, bipartisan, and cost taxpayers nothing.

What We Need Now

For S.983 to move forward, the Senate must hold a subcommittee hearing.

That’s why it’s critical that senators hear directly from their constituents right now.

We are asking South Carolinians to email their State Senator and ask them to:

• Support S.983, the Eviction Record Sealing Bill
• Help get S.983 scheduled for a subcommittee hearing
• Respond to their constituents about where they stand
• If they support the bill, let us know
• If they have concerns, tell us why and schedule a time to talk

This is how democracy should work.

Lawmakers should listen and respond to the people they represent.

Your Voice Matters

When legislators hear directly from their constituents, it moves policy forward.

We’ve made it easy.

Click the button below to send a message to your State Senator in one click.

Because eviction should never be a life sentence.