Manassas, VA asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia

Q: is the landlord required to furnish the renter with a written move IN inspection report and if not can they hold deposit

If the written report is not supplied, can the landlord hold any of the security deposit, thank you

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

A: With regard to a "move in inspection" of a residential premises, the law in Virginia provides as follows:

§ 55-248.11:1. (Repealed effective October 1, 2019) Inspection of premises.

The landlord shall, within five days after occupancy of a dwelling unit, submit a written report to the tenant, for his safekeeping, itemizing damages to the dwelling unit existing at the time of occupancy, which record shall be deemed correct unless the tenant objects thereto in writing within five days after receipt thereof. The landlord may adopt a written policy allowing the tenant to prepare the written report of the move-in inspection, in which case the tenant shall submit a copy to the landlord, which record shall be deemed correct unless the landlord objects thereto in writing within five days after receipt thereof. Such written policy adopted by the landlord may also provide for the landlord and the tenant to prepare the written report of the move-in inspection jointly, in which case both the landlord and the tenant shall sign the written report and receive a copy thereof, at which time the inspection record shall be deemed correct. If any damages are reflected on the written report, a landlord is not required to make repairs to address such damages unless required to do so under § 55-248.11:2 or 55-248.13.

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