Q: I move out of my unit on 10/18 and my lease ends on 10/31. Do I have to allow access to paint the unit before 10/31?
The owner would not prorate my rent and said it's mine until 10/31. So I said that's fine then I won't return the keys until 10/31, but the owner also wants to paint the unit before 10/31. I know I have to allow the access for showings and maintenance, but do I have to allow painters access because they will be using utilities that I'll have to pay for? Oh and the owner is trying to sell the unit which is why he wants to have it painted.
A: The answer to your question should be expressed in your lease. Generally in Virginia, a residential lease permits the landlord to have workers, such as painters, access the premises on 24 hour notice to the tenant and for reasonable reasons. It seems that painting the premises would be considered a reasonable reason in light of the landlord's intent to sell the unit.
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