What is a consequence of denying rental based on a tenant's eviction history in South Carolina?

Denying rental based solely on a tenant's eviction history can result in a violation of fair housing laws in South Carolina. Fair housing laws are designed to prevent discrimination against individuals based on specific protected characteristics, such as race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin. While an eviction history may seem relevant to a landlord's decision-making process regarding a potential tenant’s reliability, using it in a way that disproportionately affects members of a protected class can lead to claims of discrimination.

Fair housing laws encourage landlords to evaluate applicants based on their overall qualifications, including credit history, income stability, and references, rather than relying solely on negative indicators like eviction. Discriminatory practices may lead to legal actions against landlords, emphasizing the importance of fair consideration in housing decisions. It is imperative for landlords to establish policies that are fair and consistent with legal standards to avoid potential repercussions associated with discriminatory practices.