Wait — Did the CDC Really Say SC Landlords Can’t Evict Tenants?

The topic no one asked for, but everyone in real estate had to face: evictions during COVID-19. In this episode, the conversation zeroes in on South Carolina’s rental landscape, what the CDC actually meant with its guidance, and how those headlines translated (or didn’t) for day-to-day landlord realities. The takeaways aren’t alarmist. They’re practical: know the ground rules, understand where decisions are enforced, and keep your business steady by screening well, communicating clearly, and planning for payment recovery—not rent forgiveness.

CDC Eviction in South Carolina

Headlines traveled faster than the fine print, which is how the CDC eviction in South Carolina turned into a knot of confusion for landlords and tenants alike. The episode breaks it down in plain language: the CDC set out criteria for temporary protection against some evictions through year-end, but those criteria weren’t blanket rent cancellations, and enforcement still lives where it always has—at the state and local level. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s legal framework remains distinctly landlord-friendly, which shapes outcomes in real time far more than any buzzy national headline.

What the CDC Guidance Actually Looked Like (As Discussed in the Episode)

No legalese—just the checklist as it was described:

• The renter had to pursue financial assistance in good faith.

• Income needed to be under specific thresholds (e.g., not expecting to exceed the set amounts for the year, including a lower cap for joint filers).

• The renter couldn’t pay the full rent due to lost income or extraordinary medical expenses.

• The renter had to make partial payments as able, on time.

• If evicted, the renter would likely become homeless or need to move into crowded shelter conditions.

Crucially, none of that meant rent vanished. It meant a pause for qualified tenants—during which arrears could still accrue, late fees could still apply (where allowed), and payment plans could be arranged.

Enforcement Still Happens Locally

The episode emphasizes a simple reality: evictions are handled at the state and local level. You don’t file an eviction in a federal court; you work within South Carolina’s processes. That matters because South Carolina’s norms and statutes strongly shape outcomes—often favoring landlords. Even interpretations of any CDC-related claims ultimately pass through local magistrates and county practices, not a federal courtroom drama.

And that local layer isn’t theoretical. The conversation points out practical hurdles tenants face if they want to appeal an eviction—like the need, in some situations, to front unpaid rent with the court. Many tenants don’t have that cash on hand, which means appeals may stall before they start.

What “Landlord-Friendly” Really Means in Practice

South Carolina remains one of the most landlord-friendly states. That doesn’t mean a license to be unfair—it means the legal system and common practices tend to support timely rent, enforceable leases, and swift remedies when obligations aren’t met.

There’s also an “unwritten rule” culture described in the episode: long-term tenants sometimes avoid requesting small repairs and, in return, landlords don’t raise rent for years. That’s why so many rentals hitting the market show two patterns at once:

1. Under-market rents (no regular increases), and

2. Deferred maintenance (repairs kicked down the road).

It’s a tradeoff that can work quietly for years—until a sale, a refinancing, or a policy shock (like COVID) shines a spotlight on both the low rents and the backlog of work.

What the Episode Suggests Landlords Do Right Now

1) Screen thoroughly on the front end.

Good screening is the cheapest insurance. Solid job history, verifiable income, and reliable references are the first defense against payment shocks and bad-faith “gaming” of any policy.

2) Put realistic payment plans in writing.

If a tenant qualifies under the CDC criteria (as discussed), landlords can still structure catch-up plans and late-payment penalties consistent with the lease and local practice. A pause is not a pardon.

3) Communicate resources, not just rules.

Steer tenants to South Carolina rental assistance options. Many don’t know help exists; pointing the way can stabilize a tenancy faster than threats ever will.

4) Consider professional management.

A property manager can “be the bulldog” on collections and compliance, which helps compassionate owners avoid ad-hoc decisions that complicate enforcement later.

5) Stay reality-based about timing.

Even in a landlord-friendly environment, the path from missed rent to resolution often involves weeks of logistics. Plan cash flow with that runway in mind.

The Investor Angle: Why Uncertainty Creates Opportunity

The episode notes a growing group of owners tired of the anxiety. Some landlords are listing rentals (on and off market), sometimes ahead of property tax deadlines, sometimes because CDC headlines spooked them, and sometimes because deferred maintenance finally demands a decision. For buyers who can move quickly—especially cash buyers—these moments can unlock:

• Discounts on properties with obvious upkeep issues.

• Value-add plays where rent is far below market.

• Small portfolios are coming loose from owners ready to de-risk.

In a seller’s market, that isn’t a flood—it’s a steady trickle worth watching. The advice here is simple: if the goal is to expand, don’t wait for perfect clarity. Uncertainty is when spreads appear.

Tenants “Gaming the System”? Choose Better Systems.

The episode doesn’t sidestep the reality that a few renters try to exploit gray areas. The response isn’t cynicism; it’s process:

• Leases with teeth (clear late fees, default triggers, and documentation requirements).

• Consistent enforcement (no selective leniency that becomes precedent).

• Documentation (every promise, partial payment, and notice in writing).

When leases are consistent and communication is clear, cases don’t hinge on improvisation—they rest on the paper trail.

Why Panic Isn’t a Strategy

From the conversation: despite COVID, the host’s own portfolio hasn’t seen nonpayment issues. That’s not luck—it’s systems, screening, and management. The broader takeaway is not “nothing can go wrong”; it’s that landlord discipline works even in a volatile season.

The CDC guidance, as described, didn’t erase rent, didn’t permanently block evictions, and didn’t relocate authority away from South Carolina’s courts. It introduced temporary criteria that created friction—but also left room for payment plans and continued landlord remedies.

Where This Leaves South Carolina Landlords

• Legal footing: Still strong.

• Collections path: Still available (with patience and paperwork).

• Market conditions: Demand across low-end, mid-market, short-term, and long-term rentals remains healthy.

• Deal flow: A subset of owners is looking to exit—creating selective buying windows.

In short, the sky isn’t falling. It’s shifting—enough to reward preparedness and punish guesswork.

Watch Or Listen To The Selling Greenville Podcast

Subscribe to the Selling Greenville podcast for real-time insights, bold perspectives, and unfiltered takes on the Upstate housing scene. Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply watching the market unfold—this is where Greenville goes to stay informed.

Bottom Line

The noise around the CDC eviction in South Carolina overshadowed the signal: the CDC set temporary criteria, not permanent rent amnesty, and South Carolina enforcement still runs through landlord-friendly local systems. The smartest owners doubled down on tenant screening, written payment plans, and professional management, while opportunistic investors watched for listings from jittery landlords ready to exit. Keep your processes tight, your expectations realistic, and your eyes open—because the best time to buy is when uncertainty makes other people sell.

Ien Araneta

Journal & Podcast Editor | Selling Greenville