Hampton, VA asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia

Q: What steps do I need to take as a tenant if my apt complex is adding fees to lease that isn't in my original lease .

Basically my apt complex is under new management . New workers in there have gone back previous months and has added fees that I owe a water bill , washer and dryer fees , pest control fees . My lease clearly states water is included in my rent but the washer and dryer isn't stated in my lease but they are now charging a fee per month . How do I go about this issue ?

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

A: You first step is to write the landlord/management company a written letter that details your position and references the provisions of the lease that you claim absolves you from those fees/charges. Give them a deadline to respond. If they do not resolve the matter with you, your next step is to file a claim, I assume the fees/charges are less that $5,000, so it is a small claims matter. No lawyers are involved in small claims cases in Virginia.

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