Arlington, VA asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia

Q: I rent a studio in basement in a home.My landlord and I have an agreement that they can enter to use the washer/dryer.

However, they enter for other reasons.They enter when I am not there and admit to it, making comments about this or that, I folded a rug, the dog looks lonely. They have entered and taken my dog out without permission, even after being told not to. None of this is for repairs. They have allowed a housekeeper to have a key to the house when they are gone and told her to enter my apt. without my knowledge. She walked in at 8PM one night and passed me to get laundry and left. I had no idea who she was. I addressed this and they didn't get the violation, they said-don't worry,she's honest. When they do give notice, it is by opening the door to my place and yelling down at me when they want to come in. In addition, I recently have seen mice, there are water issues with foundation flooding once, but it will happen again, there was never a repair, I am not sure they can. Can I terminate my lease? I want to give them 2 months notice and leave only 2 months early. It is a good market.

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1 Lawyer Answer
F. Paul Maloof
F. Paul Maloof
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Alexandria, VA
  • Licensed in Virginia

A: It sounds like you may have a claim for breach of the covenant of quiet enjoyment, but you would have to bring a claim at court and request a trial so a judge can make a decision to allow you to terminate the lease.

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