Q: VA Can landlord charge me an "opt-out" fee for choosing a different rental ins co than the one they offer?
I already have renters ins that meet their requirements from my auto ins. They offer it through a specific company but I would like to keep my own without paying them an opt- out fee. Is it legal to force a rebtal company on me?
A: I had to look it up, and was dismayed and surprised to see that the landlord can charge an 'opt-out' fee - see Virginia Code 55-1206 A, here: https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter12/section55.1-1206/
A: I think it is not a question of whether it is legal or not legal. It is a question of whether the landlord has a "right" as stated in the residential lease to make that demand. If the lease does not give the landlord that right, then the landlord does not have a contractual right to make that demand.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
