Q: My old landlord sold my house I’m living in to a rental company in February but my lease didn’t expire until March 31st
I was told I had to pay the new rental company March rent since they now own the house. However, the new rental company sent me an email saying I have 30 days to vacate because they are not renewing my lease. They said I have until April 31st to move out completely. Since my lease ended March 31st and I don’t have a lease with anyone right now (old landlord or new rental company) Do I have to pay April rent? Since I’m not under a contract or lease to do so?
A: In Virginia, the owner/landlord of a property which is rented to a tenant has the right to sell the property to another party. The new owner is obligated to respect the current lease until the lease term ends. Based on what you stated, your lease's term ended on March 31, 2021 and the lease was not renewed so that lease becomes a month-to-month lease by on operation of law. A month-to-month lease can be terminated by either the landlord or the tenant by sending a written 30 day notice of termination to the other party. Based on what you stated, it appears that the new owner/landlord gave you the 30 day written notice to terminate the lease.
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