When it comes to rental properties, there are certain exemptions from the Fair Housing Act. Religious organizations, private clubs, housing for the elderly, and single-family housing in which an agent is not involved in the sale or rental are all exempt from the Act. However, many state and municipal fair housing laws may still apply to these properties. For leases that have not been paid in accordance with the rental agreement, a 60-day notice is not required for the lease to expire.
As per articles 55.1-1208, landlords cannot require tenants to pay a security deposit or the cost of damage insurance premiums if the total amount exceeds two months' rent. A reasonable penalty for liquidated damages, not exceeding 150 percent of the monthly rent allowance, can be included in the rental agreement for each day the tenant stays in the housing unit after the termination date specified in the landlord's notice. When it comes to qualifying for a loan, if the borrower does not use the rental income of the property in question, then only the gross monthly rent needs to be documented. The landlord can resolve the rental agreement at the request of the tenant or order delivery of the property to them if they prevail in a request for possession by virtue of an illegal withholding duly submitted to court. This notice must be given to the tenant at least 60 days before the end of their rental agreement term. Password protection is also an important factor when it comes to rental properties.
Landlords may require tenants to pay for renters insurance premiums obtained by them as part of their rent or as provided in this section. Rules and regulations adopted, modified or provided to tenants after they enter into a rental agreement are enforceable against them as long as they are given reasonable notice of its adoption or change and it does not constitute a substantial modification of their negotiation. If landlords receive prepaid rent, it must be deposited in an escrow account in a federally insured warehouse authorized to do business in Virginia by the end of the fifth business day following receipt and must remain there until it expires. If tenants do not provide a forwarding address so that landlords can refund their security deposit, then after one year from the end date of their 45-day period, landlords can remit this amount to their State Treasurer as unclaimed property. Homeownership can be expensive and risky if tenants refuse to pay rent or damage their property. If landlords adequately address non-emergency property situations within 30 days, then tenants cannot terminate their rental agreement.
If landlords file an illegal retention action to obtain possession of premises and tenants seek continuation or scheduling of a contested trial, then courts may order them to pay an amount equal to rent due on court's initial date into an escrow account before granting their request. When such an extension is granted, tenants must deposit any rent that expires during deferment period into court which will hold it pending its new order or use it to pay mortgage on property, prevent or meet bill enforcement by mechanic or materialist or remedy any condition established in subsection A that court determines exists. Tenants remain responsible for paying rent under rental agreement for period of any temporary relocation and rest of term after remediation.
