Landlord and Tenant Lawyers in Lynchburg

Find the right Tenant attorney in Lynchburg, VA

Tenant Law in Virginia

In Lynchburg, Virginia, relationships between tenants and landlords can occasionally become strained.

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

Landlord's Rights in Lynchburg, 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 paid for damage to the building that a tenant causes, either intentionally or negligently. All 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 Lynchburg, VA

Much like landlords have a right to get paid for the service they provide, tenants have a right to get what they pay for: a suitable place to reside. In Lynchburg, Virginia, all residential rental agreements carry an "implied warranty of habitability." This means that a landlord implicitly guarantees that any residence he or she rents will be fit for human habitation. In general, an unit will be automatically deemed uninhabitable if it lacks running water, electricity, heat, and acceptable protection from the elements. There are various more factors that can be considered, as well, but those are some of the basics.

Tenants also have a right to ensure that the common areas of their apartment building are reasonably safe. Landlords are required to make sure that the common areas of their buildings meet Lynchburg, Virginia's building codes, and that there are no conditions that create unnecessary safety hazards. They are obligated to make, at their own expense, the necessary repairs.

Tenants also have rights, under federal and Virginia law, to not be victims of racial, ethnic, or gender discrimination in housing, whether they are renting or buying. Furthermore, landlords are not allowed to discriminate against tenants based on physical disabilities. They must also allow physically-disabled tenants to make reasonable modifications to the apartment to make it more accessible. Nonetheless, the landlord can require tenants to remove those modifications and restore the property to its original condition once the tenant moves out.

Tenants are also legally safeguarded from unfair eviction. Before a lease agreement expires, landlords cannot evict tenants unless they breach as significant term of the agreement by not paying rent, causing serious damage to the property, engaging in activities that are a nuisance to the other tenants, or engaging in illegal activity on the property, among other things.

Can a Lynchburg, Virginia Landlord/Tenant Lawyer Help?

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

Talk to a Real Estate Law Attorney now!

Life in Lynchburg

Lynchburg is part of the Commonwealth of Virginia with an approximate population of 75,600 people. It is located near the Blue Ridge Mountains and James River. Popular nicknames include the "City of Seven Hills" and "The Hill City."

Popular sites of the city include Poplar Forest, Amazement Square, the Lynchburg Museum, Point of Honor, Miller-Clayton House, Peaks of Otter, Blue Ridge Parkway, James River Heritage Trail and Nature Zone.

Lynchburg is home to many practicing, competent attorneys who practice in practically all areas of law. Therefore, residents do not have to travel far to have their legal needs taken care of.

Famous residents include Luke Jordan, Cedric Peerman, Faith Prince, Charlie Thomas, Skeet Ulrich, Phil Vassar, George H. Walker, Randall Wallace, and Robert E. Withers.

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