Columbia, SC – After a distressing experience that interrupted his academic journey, Ansel Postell, a recent magna cum laude graduate of Benedict College, found justice when a Richland County jury awarded him $692,000 in damages. The verdict arrived after deliberations that lasted three hours, addressing violations including unlawful property seizure and breach of rental agreement.
Postell, who majored in cybersecurity, filed a lawsuit following a baffling and upsetting incident wherein he returned to his apartment only to discover that all his belongings had been discarded. His landlord, Campus Advantage, which operates The Rowan—a sizable apartment complex in Columbia—erroneously cleared out his possessions despite his mother having paid $3,810 for six months’ rent in advance.
The seized items included essential personal effects such as clothing, electronics, and a uniquely assembled computer with an estimated replacement cost of over $6,000. As the situation unfolded, the company acknowledged the mistake but denied any compensation for the loss, forcing Postell to take legal action. The dispute significantly disrupted his studies at the outset of the school semester, endangering his academic performance and jeopardizing his scholarships.
Todd Lyle, representing Postell, underscored that Campus Advantage’s refusal to acknowledge their fault had escalated the legal stakes. Initially, the defense seemed poised to challenge the extent of Postell’s claims about his possessions. However, Postell’s thorough documentation, which included emails and an itemized list of lost items, substantiated his claims.
The jury’s decision included $230,000 in actual damages to compensate Postell directly for his losses and an additional $462,500 in punitive damages, aiming to set a precedent on the accountability of landlords and property management companies. According to Lyle, because the jury found the defendant in violation of South Carolina’s Unfair Trade Practices Act, Postell could potentially receive up to triple the total damages awarded.
The trial, presided over by Judge Milton Kimpson, stretched over four days, reflecting its complex nature and the substantial issues at stake. Despite earlier opportunities to settle—the defense had once offered $7,500, and years prior, Lyle proposed a $75,000 settlement—the case proceeded, ultimately culminating in a significant verdict.
Looking ahead, the defendants face the added burden of covering two years’ worth of interest at an annual rate of 8% on the awarded amount. This outcome serves as a potent reminder and caution for rental companies regarding the legal and financial ramifications of disregarding tenant rights and proper property management.
As legal representatives and the defendants refrained from commenting on the verdict, the broader implications resonate within the real estate industry, emphasizing vigilance and ethical conduct in property management. The case not only represents a personal victory for Postell but also stands as a significant judicial statement on tenant rights and landlord responsibilities.