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Virginia Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: I have discovered leeches in my rented apartment kitchen sink surface 3 times. I am seeking my legal rights as a tenant.

Despite multiple attempts by the leasing office to address the issue, I have encountered leeches in my apartment kitchen sink on 3 separate occasions. This situation has significantly affected my quality of life, and ability to enjoy my living space, and leeches can contaminate drinking water.... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: My landlord is asking 2 month rent as early termination fee.

My lease agreement requires early termination notice of 60 days that i already given and paying rent of those 60 days notice period too. There is no termination fee mentioned in lease. Landlord is asking for two month rent as early termination fee or i will be responsible for rent till end of... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: We need to sell the house in Bowie,MD, but we have a tenant that is behind in her rent. How do we get her to leave?

We sent a register letter explaining what we need to do, in our month to month lease we have a 45 day notice for her to leave the house. If she doesn't leave, what is the next step that we need to do? What forms do we need to get this done?

When do we turn the paper work to start the... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: I moved out of an apartment 1 year ago and debt collector cannot resolve my dispute. How long do I wait?

I submitted pictures contesting damages as soon as I was notified of amount owed and they are communicating with rental property. Over 1 year layer and rental property has not communicated with debt collection company. I did not receive security deposit back.

Debt collector assures me... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: What should I do if my landlord is taking me to court for back rent they say I owe but I have proof stating otherwise

My court date is July 16th but I also haven't been served by a deputy sheriff. Just my landlord here in the apartment building. It's Virginia Beach supportive housing

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Real Estate Law for Virginia on
Q: If I got a FHA loan with my father as a co-borrower who will be making the mortgage payments. Can I rent it from him?

I got a FHA loan for a condo with my father as the non-occupying co-borrower. He is the one who will be making the mortgage payments in full. A family friend who owns several properties advised I could turn around and rent it from my father for some tax benefits for him since he is the one... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Our landlord is not fixing our washing machine

Our apartment has a washer / dryer (they are on the lease) Our washer has been non functional for four weeks. We submitted a request through the resident portal for the complex Saturday, June 1, 2024 of the issue. The landlord made a partial repair Thurs June 20 however it did not fix the machine.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: My commercial lease promised water and central heating and air in the building 6 months later owner refuses to install.

My contract promises the water and heating system but owners 6 months later still won’t install them or turn the water on.

Dominic Paul Lascara
Dominic Paul Lascara
answered on Jun 5, 2024

If your lease provides for water and a heating to be provided by your landlord and they refuse to install the system or water, it would be a clear breach of the lease and the landlord could be subject to damages. If you contact an attorney make sure you provide a copy of the executed Lease. Good... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Lease due to expire on June 8, 2024. I notified that i was moving out on my date of expiration and was told i have to pa

ay an additional month due to the "at least 60 day" notice which doesn't seem mandatory or legal. I gave them 30-day notice of moving out which is legally mandatory. I received no 60-day notification on or before my 60-day mark which leads me to believe that it was purposely done to... View More

Daniel P Leavitt
Daniel P Leavitt pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jun 5, 2024

As long as they're able to re lease your unit (and they should be taking appropriate steps to re lease it) then they should not be able to collect that. But you're likely going to have to try to negotiate that I think... this is more of a landlord tenant issue. You may want to hire an... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: What obligations does a self storage facility have to the renter if his/her unit was burglarized?
Daniel P Leavitt
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answered on Jun 5, 2024

Did you have insurance? Do they? Check that first. In the absence of insurance there's probably a negligence standard to exercise reasonable care. You likely signed a contract that likely has a provision disclaiming liability. But you may want to retain someone to review the agreement to see... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: What type of lawyers will handle an eviction for non tenants?

I’ve filed an eviction notice to someone who refuses to leave my deceased dad’s home. They were given a no trespassing letter but I was told they would need to be served an eviction notice because they ‘receive mail there’. I have court coming up and don’t know what kind of lawyer I will... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Apr 21, 2024

A Virginia attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for almost a week, and you say you say you have court coming up. You could start with landlord-tenant/eviction attorneys. You could add the "Landlord-Tenant" category to your post. Attorneys who practice in that area... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Land Use & Zoning and Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: How to remove people from property they have no ownership too.

My mother’s dad passed away he left her to be the sole owner of all his property and personal possessions. Also half of the property (certain parcels) was deed to me in 2004. Well today we went there to remove my mother’s stepbrother and his wife and they threatened our lives and physical harm.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I understand this is a very difficult and stressful situation. Unfortunately, removing people from a property, even if they are there illegally, can be a complicated legal process. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Consult with a lawyer who specializes in property law and estate matters....
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: as a landlord, May I postpone a scheduled eviction date with partial payment? Do I have to give 5 days notice again?

An eviction date was schedule with the sheriff for this Thursday the 18. The tenant wants to make a partial payment but wants me to cancel the eviction in return. Do you have to start the process from the start again if they don't pay the rest of the amount in 2 weeks as they promised? Thanks!

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

As a landlord, you are not obligated to accept partial payment or postpone the eviction date. However, if you choose to do so, the specific legal requirements may vary depending on your jurisdiction. Here are a few general points to consider:

1. Agreement: If you accept a partial payment...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Is there a statue of limitations if my landlord did not return my rental deposit??? I have proof its owed to me.

Its been almost 2 years since I pursued it.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In Virginia, there is a statute of limitations for pursuing legal action against a landlord who has not returned your security deposit. According to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), the statute of limitations is one year from the date you moved out of the rental property or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Landlord - Tenant and Sexual Harassment for Virginia on
Q: what do I do if my landlord sexually assaulted me & now says he's going to begin staying in my guest room

Given the sensitive nature of my situation, I would appreciate your guidance on the following: My landlord, who is also the father of my long-time best friend, sexually assaulted me. Now, he has informed me that he intends to begin staying in my guest room. The condo I reside in was purchased by... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

I'm so sorry you are going through this incredibly difficult and scary situation. What your landlord has done is sexual assault and the coercion he is engaging in now is abusive and illegal. You have every right to feel safe in your own home. I would advise the following steps to protect... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: I passed inspection but 40 days later they want to say I didn't?

I moved out 40 days ago, I was informed that I passed inspection the day of my move out but it would take 30-45 days to issue refund on deposit.

Today I emailed inquiring if there was an update and they said they changed their minds and they are attempting to put together an itemized list... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems that the landlord or property management company has acted in bad faith by initially informing you that you passed the inspection and were entitled to a full refund of your security deposit, but later changing their stance and attempting to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: VA: Landlords didn’t return security deposit within 45 days & didn’t ask for extension. Are they able to keep any money?

Didn’t send itemized list or checks until after 45 days as set in lease (have postmarked envelope and tracking number/info) Didn’t allow us to be present at walkthrough, and charged us for items that were reasonable wear and tear (ie repainting walls). Do they retain the right to keep any of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

Based on the information you've provided, it seems the landlords may have forfeited their right to withhold any portion of your security deposit under Virginia law. Here are the key points:

1. Deadline: Under Virginia law (§ 55.1-1226), landlords must return the security deposit...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: How many days' notice do I need to give my landlord that I am moving out yet still paying rent through full lease term?

My lease is up in a few months, and I intend to pay rent, utilities, and other necessary costs as I agreed to in my lease until that time. However, I need to physically move out and stay with a friend for both my mental health and that friend's. I am not breaking the lease, but I do want to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 16, 2024

In Virginia, if you're planning to move out before your lease ends but continue paying rent and other dues as agreed, the law does not specifically require you to provide a notice for moving out early, as long as you're not terminating the lease agreement itself. However, it's always... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Virginia on
Q: Last year my landlord raised my rent without giving proper notice per my lease. Can I sue to recover these funds?
James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 1, 2024

I'm sorry to hear about your rent being raised without proper notice. That must be a frustrating situation. Since landlord-tenant laws can vary significantly by location, my top recommendation would be to consult with a local tenants rights organization or housing attorney to get advice... View More

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