Landlord Tenant Law

Question 1

Tenancy for Years: Creation

Answer 1

In VA, a landlord is required to offer a tenant a written lease. If the landlord does not, a tenancy is deemed to exist by operation of law on the following terms:
1. The duration is 12 months with no automatic renewal
2. The rent must be paid in equal monthly installments, and
3. Rent payments are due on the first day of each month.
The landlord and tenant may still enter into a written lease at any time during this 12-month tenancy.

Question 2

Tenancy for Years: Termination

Answer 2

In VA, a tenant who is a victim of family abuse, sexual abuse, or sexual assault may terminate any residential lease with 30 days’ notice.

Question 3

Periodic Tenancy: Termination

Answer 3

Landlord or tenant may terminate a periodic tenancy by serving a written notice on the other in accordance with the following time frames:

1. Year-to-year: three months
2. Month-to-month: 30 days
3. Week-to-week: 7 days.