South Carolina squatter eviction

[Nat C.]

Has anyone had experience evicting a squatter in South Carolina? I know it varies by state.

I let a guy stay in my house for free without a lease. I don’t need anyone to tell me I was stupid. I already know that but he was clever in the ways he gained my trust.

A month later I found out about his real situation and drug use. I asked him to leave within 2 weeks, hoping this would be a reasonable timeframe and he would cooperate. He told me he is invoking his ‘rights’ and will continue to live there rent free for as long as he likes.

I looked up the appropriate eviction notice to give him and they are either for breach of lease terms or non-payment of rent. Neither of these are applicable so I’m unsure of what notice to serve him.

Has anyone else here had to remove a squatter in SC?

[Corby Goade]

I love that you have already braced yourself for the unsolicited advice!

I've never evicted a squatter in SC, but in your situation I'd reach out to an attorney and get them on it asap. In Idaho, verbal leases are legally enforceable, so in a situation like this, the squatter can literally make up anything they want and a judge has to at least consider that it's possible and binding. 

A good attorney might be able to make your squatter uncomfortable quickly and get them to leave on their own. Especially if you have evidence that there's drug use going on in the house. I doubt the user wants the Sheriff showing up to serve them and get eyes on the place. 

Crappy situation- best of luck!