Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Hampton

Find the right Tenant attorney in Hampton, VA

Tenant Law in Virginia

In Hampton, Virginia, relationships between tenants and landlords can sometimes become strained.

Both parties to a landlord/tenant relationship are governed by an extensive body of laws and regulations, defining their legal rights and obligations.

Landlord's Rights in Hampton, VA

The most basic right that landlords have is the right to be paid the agreed-upon rent by their tenant. Obviously, renting apartments is how landlords earn a living, so they are entitled to collect the rent that the tenant agreed to pay.

Landlords also have a right to be compensated for damage to the building that a tenant causes, either intentionally or negligently. Any damage caused by a tenant, besides reasonable wear and tear, can be billed, and the landlord can deduct from the tenant's security deposit to pay for repairs.

Tenant's Rights in Hampton, VA

Most basically, tenants have a right to get what they're paying for: a dwelling fit for human habitation. To this end, landlords have to ensure that the units they rent meet Hampton, Virginia's minimum standards for habitability. These requirements are usuallyy not difficult to meet. They include basic amenities such as running water, electricity, a working phone line, heating, and protection from the elements.

In addition to habitable living spaces, tenants also have a right to reasonably safe common areas. Common areas include lobbies, hallways, and stairwells - basically anything that everyone living in an apartment complex has access to. These common areas must meet the building standards of Hampton, Virginia, and must not contain any unnecessary safety hazards.

In the United States, and most likely under the laws of Virginia, it is unlawful for renters or sellers of real estate to discriminate on the basis of race, gender, national origin, color, or religion. Doing so can subject a landlord to harsh civil penalties. Also, they cannot discriminate based on physical disabilities, either. Tenants with physical disabilities, who are otherwise qualified to rent an apartment (they are able to pay, have good credit, etc.) are entitled to make reasonable modifications to the apartment to make it more accessible to them, and the landlord generally can't bar a tenant from doing this, as long as the modifications are not too extensive, and are reversible. The landlord can, however, require the tenant to remove the modifications, at the tenant's expense, when they move out.

And finally, most state laws prevent landlords from arbitrarily evicting tenants. If the lease agreement is for a set period of time, the landlord generally can't evict the tenant until the lease expires, without a good reason. Valid causes for eviction include unpaid rent, illegal activities on the property, damage to the building caused by the tenant, and excessive noise.

Can a Hampton, Virginia Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

Whether you are a landlord or a tenant, chances are that you want to avoid conflict. But if you do end up in a seemingly irresolvable conflict with the other party, a Hampton, Virginia attorney can help you protect your rights.

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Hampton

Hampton is located in southeast Virginia, with a population of around 137,500 people. It is considered a major city and a part of the "Hampton Roads" area in Virginia. Neighboring waters include the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.

Popular attractions include Buckroe Beach, Buckroe Fishing Pier, Downtown Hampton Historic District, Fort Monroe, Gosnold Hope Park, Hampton History Museum, Jacques Cousteau Centre, Langley Air Force Base, New American Theatre, Old Point Comfort, and Sandy Bottom Nature Park.

Famous residents include Jefferson Davis, Jeff Parker, Jerry Roursh, Jim Burrow, Jimmy F. Williams, and Michael Husted.

Hampton is home to many practicing attorneys who manage small law offices and firms, and provide personalized legal services in most, if not all, practice areas. Therefore, residents are well-taken care of when it comes to tending to their legal needs.

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