Our firm’s team of seasoned Virginia landlord-tenant attorneys provide residential and commercial clients across Northern Virginia with an array of services to handle various real property needs in the Commonwealth. Breach of contract disputes, evictions, and complex litigation for damages are only some of the rental matters that we handle for landlords and tenants. Also common are contract renegotiations and amendments, and new lease negotiations. Our practice is also focused on related legal matters, including construction litigation and contract review, community association law, and collections.
Virginia Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA)
The vast majority of Virginia-based residential rental properties fall under particular laws laid forth in the Virginia Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) (Virginia Code, Sections 55-248.2 to 55-248.40), which outlines the boundaries of the landlord-tenant relationship and establishes laws for the governance of the landlord and tenant’s obligations, rights, and regulation. Some provisions of commercial leases are similar to those in the VRLTA, but the rights and obligations of the commercial tenant and landlord are largely set forth and governed by the terms in the lease itself. In both settings, courts in the Commonwealth can enforce these responsibilities and rights, and an expert lawyer can maximize your chances of a favorable outcome in your case.
Representation of Landlords in Virginia
Whether screening potential tenants or working through eviction processes for a single residential rental property or initiating a lawsuit for breach of lease or damages to property in commercial settings, there are myriad issues that a seasoned Virginia landlord-tenant attorney can help you navigate while also protecting your rights.Our firm’s representation of landlords in Northern Virginia includes:
- New lease drafting to ensure effective allocation of costs of breach and protect landlord rights;
- Rental application and lease review to prevent the incorporation of provisions that are prohibited by Virginia law and guarantee adherence to real property law at all levels;
- Crafting suitable terms and contract language for commercial leases in conjunction with commercial leasing agents and property managers;
- Safeguarding compliance with the state’s regulations for appropriate notice through review of Landlord’s “Pay-or-Quit” or “Failure-to-Pay” notices;
- Negotiation of any modifications of lease duration or other lease terms;
- Procedural review for parameters governing entry into any rental property;
- Ensuring the protection of the financial interests of a landlord when tenants ignore vacate notices or fail to pay rent, including the filing of all required legal paperwork;
- Ensuring compliance with Virginia law regarding the handling of security deposits, including proper deductions, through review of procedures;
- Eviction proceeding filings in all courts in Northern Virginia (sometimes referred to as Unlawful Detainer and requests for Writs of Possession);
- Preparing and filing bankruptcy court claims against tenants who default;
- Recovery of funds (possibly to include an amount that exceeds the security deposit) and protection of landlord rights for recovery of damages when a tenant breaks the lease, all through litigation or other means under the laws of the Commonwealth; and
- Defense of landlords against any suits that may be initiated by tenants.
Contact Our Firm For Professional Assistance Today!
From understanding acceptable lease terms and rental applications to service timeframes for specific notice types, our firm’s attorneys aim to educate landlord clients on Virginia’s landlord-tenant laws as they provide experienced legal representation, as outlined above. Call or contact The Brown Firm PLLC online for professional legal assistance today.