Affordable Housing Attorneys in Charleston
If you’ve received an eviction notice, a Rule to Vacate, or a court date—and you’re not sure what to do next—Charleston Legal Access can help. Many tenants walk into housing court feeling powerless, but in South Carolina, you have rights, and having an attorney can significantly impact the outcome of your case.
Charleston Legal Access (CLA) is a nonprofit law firm offering affordable, high-quality legal representation to renters and homeowners throughout Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties. We work with individuals who earn too much to qualify for free legal aid but cannot afford private attorney fees, those most likely to face eviction or housing instability alone. Our sliding-scale model starts at $60 per hour, making legal support accessible during moments that matter most.
We help tenants understand their rights, challenge unlawful evictions, negotiate with landlords, protect their housing records, and defend their cases in court. We also assist homeowners facing disputes related to deeds, heirs’ property, co-ownership, or land contract sales. We do this work because stable housing is essential to a person’s safety, health, and long-term well-being, and no one should lose their home simply because they cannot afford a lawyer.
As a key partner in the Charleston Housing Court Pilot Project, CLA is at the forefront of expanding housing justice in South Carolina.
When you reach out to us, you’ll find more than legal information—you’ll find an advocate who listens, explains your options clearly, and stands beside you every step of the way.
Housing Problems Are Legal Problems
Being comfortable and secure in your home is critical to your well-being. When something jeopardizes that stability, you need support you can trust. Whether you are a renter dealing with an eviction or a homeowner facing a property dispute, CLA can help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Charleston has one of the highest eviction rates in the country, and most tenants enter the court system without legal guidance. In 2016 alone, more than ten households per day were evicted in North Charleston. Many were spending well over half their income on rent, leaving families vulnerable to homelessness and displacement.
Eviction is often fast-moving, sometimes happening in a matter of days. That’s why it’s critical to reach out as soon as you know there’s a problem. Even a brief consultation can change the course of your case.
We can assist renters with:
Eviction defense and understanding the process under the South Carolina Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
Landlord–tenant disputes involving repairs, unsafe conditions, or illegal practices
Lease enforcement, rental agreements, and disputes over deposits
Negotiating with landlords or mediating disagreements
Suing a landlord or defending against a suit filed by your landlord
Homeowners may also contact us for issues involving:
Deed disputes or unclear property ownership
Heirs’ property conflicts
Disagreements among co-owners of a home
Issues involving land contracts or installment sales
If you’re unsure which category your situation falls into, don’t worry—call us, and we’ll help you figure out your next steps.
Charleston Legal Access and the Housing Court Pilot Project
The eviction crisis led the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission to petition the S.C. Supreme Court to create the state’s first Housing Court. In 2019, the Court approved the Charleston Housing Court Pilot Project, bringing together multiple partners committed to preventing homelessness and ensuring tenants have meaningful access to legal representation.
CLA is one of the key legal partners in this project, joining:
South Carolina Legal Services
One80 Place Legal Services
Charleston Pro Bono Legal Services
Charleston County Magistrate Courts
Charleston School of Law
Trident Urban League
United Way 2-1-1 Hotline
The City of Charleston
Under this system, tenants can connect with legal help either before their hearing—often through 2-1-1—or directly in court on designated Housing Court days. Our attorneys identify defenses, negotiate with landlords, mediate disputes, or represent tenants at trial.
The goal is simple: reduce evictions, protect families, and strengthen our community.
Who We Serve
Charleston Legal Access was built for people who often feel stuck between two systems: not eligible for free legal aid, and unable to pay private attorney fees. If you’re facing a housing issue and feel like you have nowhere to turn, we’re here for you.
You may be a good fit for our services if you:
Have received an eviction notice or court date in the tri-county area
Earn too much to qualify for free legal aid but cannot afford private representation
Are experiencing unsafe or unlivable housing conditions
Are caught in a dispute with your landlord, tenant, or co-owner
Want clear, compassionate guidance from an attorney who can protect your stability
If any of this sounds like you, you are exactly who we are here to help.
Affordable Representation Through a Sliding Scale Fee
Our mission is to make legal help accessible to those who need it most, without creating additional financial distress.
Evictions move quickly—sometimes within just a few days of receiving a notice. Don’t wait to seek help. Even limited involvement from an attorney can dramatically improve your outcome.
Why Tenants Choose Charleston Legal Access
People choose CLA not just because our services are affordable, but because of the way we show up for our clients. Housing issues are stressful, frightening, and often deeply personal. We approach every case with empathy, dignity, and a commitment to protecting families from unnecessary harm.
Tenants trust us because:
We listen. Your story matters, and we take the time to understand it.
We explain your rights clearly. No jargon, no confusion—we help you understand exactly where you stand.
We’re mission-driven, not profit-driven. Your stability—not money—is our priority.
We fight to keep families housed. Legal representation dramatically increases the chances of avoiding displacement.
We helped shape Charleston’s Housing Court system. Our work is part of a broader movement toward fairer, more equitable housing outcomes.
At CLA, you’re not just getting a lawyer. You’re gaining a partner in your fight for safety and stability.
Facing Eviction or a Housing Issue? Call Us Today.
If you are dealing with an eviction, a landlord–tenant dispute, or a property-related conflict, we are here to support you. Call (843) 640-5980 ext. 4 or submit an intake request in English or Español.
You don’t have to figure this out alone. We’re here to protect your home, your rights, and your future
Help Us Build a More Just Charleston
Safe, stable housing changes everything. When you support Charleston Legal Access, you help your neighbors stay in their homes, protect their rights, and regain stability during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Your generosity makes justice possible.
To learn more about how your charitable donation can support our mission and expand access to justice in the Lowcountry, please contact us.