How can I stop my landlord because he gave me a 5-day eviction notice for turning him in to DHEC and Fire Marshal?
You can’t. You can only make sure you file an ANSWER to the eviction notice when it’s posted on your door by the Court. You will have a “respond by” date clearly indicated. If you file an answer, the case will be heard by a judge. If you fail to file an answer, the eviction will likely simply be rubber-stamped.
When he filed the eviction petition in court, the landlord had to give CAUSE as to the reason for the eviction. He will have to provide proof-of-service for all required “cure or quit” and “unlawful detainer” notices, as well as proof of whatever grounds he is using to evict you. I guarantee he did not use “turned me in to DHEC and Fire Marshal” as the cause. What other lease violations have you committed? Those are the cause for the eviction, and that’s what you must be prepared to answer in front of the judge.
