Arlington, VA asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia

Q: If I never had a lease signed by me or a landlord after 2 years, when I move out can they sue for damages?

I moved into a home of a friend but never had a lease. I lived there for 2 years. Finally after multiple times of not having water, of mold and mildew growth, of unfixed safety hazards, stalking by the friend, threats, sexual harassment, I moved out with consent of the landlord. now after a Month of moving out, The landlord is threatening to sue for damages of the home. Some damages were there when I moved in, some were caused living in the home, but reported immediately, but were not fixed and some were caused by the home being old and multiple water leaks caused by the landlord not fixing the problem correctly. I never signed a lease or made a down payment. can he still sue for damages?

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1 Lawyer Answer
Thomas H. Roberts
Thomas H. Roberts
Answered
  • Richmond, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: Yes. The landlord is entitled to the agreed rent amount and if none then to the reasonable value of the rent to prevent an unjust enrichment to you, together with the amount of any damages caused by you. However, you may be able to offset that by the claims you may have against the landlord.

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