A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 27-40-435 SO AS TO IMPOSE UPON LANDLORDS A DUTY TO PROVIDE CERTAIN SECURITY TO PROTECT TENANTS FROM CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES OF THIRD PARTIES, TO PROVIDE LANDLORDS WHO ARE NEGLIGENT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THIS DUTY MAY BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES PROXIMATELY CAUSED TO THE TENANT BY SUCH CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES, TO IMPOSE RELATED DUTIES CONCERNING SECURITY MEASURES THAT MUST BE PROVIDED, AND TO PROVIDE A NECESSARY DEFINITION.
Summary
H3233 would add a new section to South Carolina’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act imposing an affirmative duty on landlords to provide security for tenants against criminal activity by third parties. The bill states that a landlord who is negligent in carrying out that duty may be liable for damages proximately caused by such criminal activity.
The bill also requires landlords of any multifamily dwelling to install and maintain a security system that includes video monitoring, security, and fire alarm systems, to ensure those systems are properly operated through a security monitoring service, and to provide video recordings to law enforcement and tenants as needed during criminal investigations. It defines “multifamily dwelling” as a structure containing four or more single-family residences.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would expand landlord duties under Title 27 by creating a statutory security obligation and a potential basis for civil liability when landlords fail to meet it. It would directly affect owners and operators of multifamily rental properties, especially those with four or more units, by requiring installation, monitoring, and disclosure of security and video systems. It would also give tenants and law enforcement a clearer statutory right to access relevant recordings during investigations.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of legislative debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears tenant-protective and aimed at improving safety in rental housing. The absence of recorded action suggests the bill’s reception cannot be reliably characterized from the provided history.
Contention
The main points of contention likely concern the scope and cost of the mandate for landlords, particularly the requirement to install video monitoring, security, and fire alarm systems and to maintain them through a monitoring service. Landlords and property owners may object to the potential expense, operational burden, privacy implications of video surveillance, and expanded tort liability. Tenant advocates would likely support the measure as a safety and accountability provision, especially for residents of larger multifamily properties.