4 Things Landlords Are Not Allowed to Do — And How Professional Property Management Protects Everyone
Owning rental property can be a powerful investment, but it also comes with serious legal responsibilities. With nearly one in three U.S. households living in rental housing, landlord-tenant laws exist to protect residents and create clear rules for property owners.
Unfortunately, many well-intentioned owners run into trouble simply because they’re unaware of how strict these laws can be or how quickly a small misstep can turn into a costly legal issue.
At Foothills Property Management, compliance isn’t optional. We operate within the law at all times to protect both our owners and our residents. Below are four things landlords are not allowed to do, and how professional management helps prevent these issues altogether.
1. Enter a Property Without Proper Notice
Even though the owner owns the property, once it’s leased, it becomes the tenant’s home.
In South Carolina, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering an occupied rental, whether for repairs, inspections, or showings, and can only do repairs and showings on certain days within specific hours. The notice must state the reason for entry and comply with state-specific delivery rules.
Allowed exceptions:
Emergencies (fire, flooding, gas leaks)
Abandoned property - as defined by law
Why this matters:
Entering without proper notice can lead to claims of harassment, trespassing, or privacy violations.
How Foothills helps:
We strictly follow state notice requirements
All entries are scheduled and documented properly
Emergency access is handled professionally and lawfully
This protects tenants’ rights and shields owners from unnecessary disputes or legal exposure.
2. Evict Tenants Without Following the Law
Evictions are one of the most regulated areas of property ownership.
Landlords cannot:
Lock tenants out without court approval
Shut off utilities to force a move-out
Remove belongings without a legal judgment
These actions may be considered retaliatory or unlawful eviction, even if rent hasn’t been paid.
How Foothills helps:
We follow the exact legal eviction process required by state law and the Anderson County Magistrate
Proper notices are issued and documented
Court filings and timelines are handled correctly
This ensures tenants are treated fairly while protecting owners from fines, damages, or dismissed eviction cases.
3. Raise Rent Outside the Lease Terms
A lease is a binding legal contract. Once signed, rent generally cannot be increased mid-lease unless the lease specifically allows it under defined conditions (such as adding a pet or occupant).
In rent-controlled or rent-stabilized areas, increases may also be capped or regulated by local law.
Why this matters:
Improper rent increases can invalidate lease terms and expose owners to tenant claims or penalties.
How Foothills helps:
Rent increases are scheduled only at legally allowed times
All increases comply with lease terms and applicable laws
Clear communication prevents misunderstandings
This protects income stability while maintaining lawful, professional relationships with residents.
4. Discriminate Against Tenants
Federal fair housing laws apply to all landlords, with very few exceptions.
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords may not discriminate based on:
Race or color
National origin
Sex or gender identity
Sexual orientation
Familial status
Disability
Enforcement is overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and violations can result in severe financial penalties, even if the discrimination was unintentional.
How Foothills helps:
Advertising is reviewed for fair housing compliance
Screening criteria are applied consistently
Accommodation requests are handled lawfully and respectfully
This protects tenants from discrimination and owners from devastating legal risk.
Is Being a Landlord Hard?
It can be.
Landlords must balance:
Legal compliance
Maintenance and habitability standards
Tenant communication
Risk management
Mistakes are expensive, and laws change frequently.
That’s where Foothills Property Management comes in.
The Bottom Line
Being a landlord isn’t just about owning property; it’s about understanding and following the law. Tenants have strong legal protections, and even small missteps can lead to serious consequences.
At Foothills Property Management, we:
Operate fully within landlord-tenant and fair housing laws
Protect tenant rights while safeguarding owner investments
Handle the day-to-day legal, operational, and compliance details
So owners can enjoy the benefits of real estate investment—without the stress.
If you want professional management that protects both sides of the lease, Foothills is here to help.