Columbia Student Wins $692,000 After Wrongful Eviction by Landlord

Columbia’s Ansel Postell Awarded $692,000 After Wrongful Eviction by Landlord

Columbia, SC – In a case that highlights the responsibilities of landlords, a local honors student, Ansel Postell, recently won a significant legal battle against his former rental company, Campus Advantage, which operates under the name The Rowan. Postell found himself in a shocking situation when he returned to his apartment in July 2022, only to discover that his belongings had been emptied and given away by his landlord. This incident remained a sore spot, culminating in a jury awarding him a whopping $692,000 in damages.

A Homecoming Gone Wrong

When Postell arrived back in Columbia to begin a new school year, he was no doubt looking forward to settling into his routine. However, what he found was far from welcoming. His mother had paid the rental company $3,810 for six months of advance rent, so he never expected that his things would be unceremoniously tossed out. The apartment, located between Bluff and Shop Roads, was meant to be his home, not a site for sudden eviction.

The transition back to school was anything but smooth. According to court testimony, Postell’s possessions included essential items like clothes, electronic gear, and a custom-built computer valued at over $6,000. The situation forced him to scramble to replace essential items just when he needed to focus on his studies.

The Struggle for Justice

Initially, Campus Advantage seemed to acknowledge its mistake but subsequently ignored repeated requests from Postell and his mother for compensation for the missing items. In response to their inaction, Postell took a stand and decided to sue the rental company. His lawsuit highlighted the considerable time and effort it consumed to replace his belongings, which affected his academic performance during his first few days of the semester.

After a four-day trial, the Richland County jury deliberated for about three hours before delivering their verdict. They found Campus Advantage liable for multiple offenses, including failure to adhere to South Carolina’s Unfair Trade Practices Act and unlawfully seizing Postell’s property.

A Victory for Accountability

Postell expressed relief and gratitude after the jury reached a decision. “I’m glad I was given the opportunity for this to be taken up in court, and the jury was able to make a decision on the evidence that we provided,” he stated. Remarkably, despite the stress of his living situation, Postell graduated magna cum laude with a degree in cybersecurity in May.

Todd Lyle, Postell’s attorney, noted the implications of the jury’s decision. The total damages included $230,000 for actual losses and an additional $462,500 in punitive damages. Since the jury found the rental company liable under the Unfair Trade Practices Act, Postell may also be entitled to triple damages. Lyle pointed out an interesting fact: A settlement offer of $75,000 was proposed two years earlier, which the company declined. Now, they are on the hook for much more.

Lessons Learned

The case has broadened discussions around landlord-tenant rights, especially in instances where traditional agreements are ignored. Commenting on the verdict, Lyle mentioned, “Almost half a million dollars in punitive damages is sending a huge message.” The jury’s decision may serve as a wake-up call for landlords to take their responsibilities seriously—prompt action and communication can avoid significant financial repercussions.

Final Thoughts

It’s clear this situation has left an indelible mark on Postell, transforming a homecoming celebration into an exhausting legal battle. However, as he continues to emerge victorious, it stands as an important reminder that accountability is key. “They could have paid $75,000 two years ago and been done with it,” Lyle stated, reflecting on how negligence and obstinance ultimately led to a much larger verdict.

In the end, this is not just a win for Ansel Postell but a pivotal moment for tenants’ rights advocates everywhere, reminding everyone that their belongings—and their rights—should be diligently protected.