Long Term Leases Tenants and Owner Occupied Duplex

[Patrick Bross]

Hey everyone,

I am a newbie so go easy on me if this is old hat.  Quick question on whether a tenant lease can be broken if the property is acquired and the new owner wants to owner occupy.

For example, I buy a duplex using FHA financing that currently has two tenants with leases until August 2015. If I wanted to owner occupy (which I must), is there any way to remove one of the tenants legally? Is there a way to bypass the lease agreement?

If location makes the difference, my question pertains to Charleston, SC.

Thank you!!

[Roy N.]

@Patrick Bross 

I just scanned the SC Landlord and Tenants Act an @John Semanchuk is correct, there does not appear to be provision for the landlord to take possession of the property for the purpose of inhabiting it.   I've tried looking else where but found nothing which would indicate the Buyer of a rental property in South Carolina can request it to be delivered vacant.