Q: We live in VA. We had a yr lease that ended and converted into a 2month to 2month lease. Owner wants more rent and nw te
Owner wants us to pay more rent and sign a new year lease. We've been going back and forth as there was also an option to purchase the house. That deal fell through and by email we agreed to the rent increase starting June 1st. We haven't agreed to a new term yet or signed any paperwork. Can we break the lease by simply giving 2 months notice or are we on the hook for something more now?
A: If you have not signed a new written lease, the 2 month to 2 month lease relationship is retained. Under the laws in Virginia ,to terminate the 2 month-to-2 month lease you must give the landlord a 2 month written notice. An oral agreement between the tenant and the landlord to the increase the rental amount will not given rise to a binding agreement until the entire lease's terms and conditions are reduced to a written lease agreement and signed by the parties. The oral agreement regarding the increased rent is generally considered to be only a preliminary understanding unless it is memorialized to a written agreement.
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