Horry renters refused to pay rent during COVID-19, left behind $100K in damage: police
Tenants refused to pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic and left $100,000 in damage when they finally left a Horry County home, according to a report.
In August, the victim told Horry County police about the situation with her renters on Wentworth Drive.
The victim said the suspects moved in about a year earlier, and stopped paying rent during the coronavirus pandemic, according to a police report.
The victim said they also took advantage of the moratorium on evictions during the pandemic, according to the report.
When the victim evicted the tenants, the house had significant damage. The owner said door frames were kicked in, electrical sockets were torn off the wall, kitchen cabinets were destroyed, holes were left in walls and the flooring was damaged from water leakage.
A few estimates showed the cost of repairs at $100,000 to $110,000, according to the report.
While police say the damage appears malicious, there was no witness or other evidence to create probable cause for an arrest.
Officers told the victim she could file a civil suit against the tenants.
