• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • News
  • Firm History
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
703.828.0900 Request Consultation
The Brown Firm Logo

The Brown Firm PLLC

Alexandria Criminal Defense Law Firm

703.828.0900 Request Consultation
  • Civil Litigation
  • Employment Law
    • Employment Discrimination
      • ADA and ADA-AA
      • Discrimination, Harassment and Civil Rights Laws
      • Northern Virginia Employment Discrimination Laws
    • Breach of Employment Contract
    • Family And Medical Leave Act
    • Virginia Non-compete Laws
    • Virginia Payment And Collection Laws
    • Virginia Wrongful Termination Laws
    • Wage And Hour Disputes
    • Whistleblower Litigation
  • Police Excessive Force
    • Unlawful Arrest Or Detainment
    • Wrongful Confessions
    • Wrongful Death By Law Enforcement Official
  • Wrongful Death
    • Wrongful Death Claims
    • Damages For Wrongful Death Claims
  • Other
    • Criminal Defense
      • Felonies and Misdemeanors
      • Marijuana Possession in Virginia
      • Possession of Marijuana W/Intent To Distribute
      • Possession of a Controlled Substance in Virginia
      • Theft and Larceny
    • Traffic Defense
      • Commercial Drivers in Virginia
        • Virginia Commercial Drivers License Suspension
      • DUI / DWI Defense
        • Virginia DUI / DWI Laws
        • Virginia DUI / DWI Penalties
        • Virginia DUI / DWI Defense Strategies
        • Virginia DUI and DWI Frequently Asked Questions
        • Virginia DUI License Suspension
        • Second DUI in Virginia
        • Third DUI in Virginia
        • Felony DUI in Virginia
      • Driving Without a License in Virginia
      • Driving With a Suspended License in Virginia
      • Eluding the Police
      • Hit and Run
      • Racing
      • Reckless Driving
        • Reckless Driving Penalties
        • Felony Reckless Driving
        • Virginia Reckless Driving Defense Strategies
      • Speeding
      • Texting While Driving
      • Virginia Traffic Laws
        • Traffic Tickets
        • Virginia Traffic Penalties
    • Premises Liability
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Firm History
  • News
Home » Civil Litigation » Virginia Landlord/Tenant Disputes

Virginia Landlord/Tenant Disputes

The relationship between a landlord and tenant runs the gamut from smooth and positive to bumpy and contentious. Whether the scenario involves a residential or commercial tenant, a commercial landlord or a lone investor in real estate, a dispute is something that can lead to litigation. That’s why using the services of the Virginia Landlord-Tenant attorneys at our firm is an easy decision to make. Knowing a faster pace in such situations is needed, our legal team possesses the flexibility to address immediate issues that require a quick resolution.

Writing up a clear and unequivocal lease, whether it’s residential or commercial, is imperative to success when dealing with a breach on either side.Using Virginia common law will settle disputes between a tenant and the landlord of a smaller (or single) complex. Here, the conflict is usually resolved simply on the lease agreement terms.

However, such areas as multiple apartment complexes, Section 8 housing, vouchers for Housing Choice, public housing in general or anything that’s being subsidized by the Department of Housing and Urban Development require landlords to follow the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). This law decrees that the landlords must at least meet the minimum guidelines established.

Legal Protections Guaranteed by the VRLTA

Adoption of the VRLTA makes sure that both tenants and renters are protected legally from potential abuse of the law. Those rights include: both an application fee and security deposit that’s deemed fair, and an area that provides security (to an extent), as well as a residence considered both safe and decent.

In addition, the tenant and renter is guaranteed privacy and the right to be notified about the following situations: any increase in rent or service decreases; the application of any pesticides within their apartment; and any ownership or management changes or conversion for other uses of the property itself. Also, if eviction takes place, proper notice must be served.

Potential Conflict Areas

Evictions are just one problem that can lead to disputes between tenants and landlords. Some other issues relate to violations of a lease or a lease review itself, conflicts related to contracts or property, disputes over transactions or repairs done.

Legal Necessities for Landlords

A clear procedure exists within Virginia law relating to eviction that results in the landlord gaining possession of the property in question. The landlord must file an unlawful detainer summons against the tenant, then go to a hearing to gain possession by a court order. Success will allow the tenant to leave while also paying legal fees and court costs, as well as any damage claims or back rent that exists.

However, Virginia residential landlords are not allowed to turn off utilities, remove the front door or change the locks, actions known as self-help evictions. That’s why contacting the landlord-tenant dispute attorneys at our firm is so important, since they have a clear understanding of what legal protections exist under the VRLTA, and know that success in the courtroom can usually help enforce the obligations and rights of both tenants and landlords.

Limiting the Potential Damage

Avoiding the usual pitfalls that affect either side from the beginning can be alleviated by using an experienced Virginia landlord-tenant attorney from our firm. Using their extensive background in both drafting and assessing contracts, whether for existing landlords or tenants, guarantees that either party will have strong legal representation when it comes to areas such as property damage, unlawful detainer or discrimination related to the Fair Housing Act. Therefore, when the need arise for a veteran Virginia landlord or tenant attorney, make sure to contact our firm by calling or by scheduling a legal consultation online.

Primary Sidebar

Have a Question?

Ask a question or request a consultation, and we will respond to you in a timely manner.

Our Tradition Of Excellence

The Brown family has maintained a tradition of excellence as legal practitioners for more than 65 years. For three generations the family has championed their clients in a manner that greatly exceeds the expectations of the client. The representation of their clients demonstrates the ideal practice of law.

Call To Schedule A Consultation

Footer

The Brown Firm, PLLC

Corporate Headquarters 526 King Street, Suite 213 Alexandria, VA 22314
703.828.0900
info@brownfirmpllc.com

Practice Areas

  • Civil Litigation
  • Criminal Defense
  • Employment Law
  • Traffic Defense
  • Wrongful Death
  • Police Excessive Force

Recent Firm News

  • Family Of Man Fatally Shot By Police Reaches $3.5 Million Settlement
    July 21, 2020
  • VA Attorney Overturns Dismissal of Case On Police Use of Deadly Force
    August 19, 2020
  • Rising Up With Sonali: Jacob Blake Shooting – Can The Police Be Held Accountable?
    August 29, 2020

© 2021 The Brown Firm PLLC · Powered by 321 Web Marketing · Website Privacy Policy & Terms of Use