Dedicated Lawyers Handle Landlord Tenant Matters
Virginia attorneys seek favorable solutions to disputes involving leased properties
Rental property can provide steady income, but difficult tenant issues can be financially draining. At Reinhardt Vandenbrook, PLLC, we work to help landlords minimize and successfully settle tenant disputes and assist property owners across Virginia in a wide range of landlord-tenant matters. As highly experienced negotiators and litigators, we know how to handle contentious and complicated problems and formulate practical legal solutions to achieve clients’ goals. Whether you need to contest a housing discrimination claim, draft a new lease or stop an illegal sublet, we will take action to protect your property interests and assert your rights.
Common examples of landlord tenant disputes
The landlord-tenant relationship is often tricky to navigate, and disagreements can quickly escalate. While the sources of a dispute can vary, the most common include:
- Evictions
- Property damage
- Repairs
- Illegal sublets
- Non-payment of rent
The best way to avoid a dispute is to work proactively with an attorney to draft clear and comprehensive leases. We understand the challenging nature of landlord-tenant disputes and strive to help clients avoid unnecessary conflict through careful lease drafting but are ready and willing to pursue landlords’ rights aggressively when the circumstances warrant it.
What can landlords do if a tenant fails to pay the rent?
A non-paying tenant creates major problems for a landlord, and obtaining knowledgeable legal advice on how to handle these issues is imperative. Eviction is often justified in this situation and involves multiple steps that are best handled by an attorney. Eviction proceedings can begin if the rent remains unpaid five days after it is late. Tenants are given an opportunity to pay before a court will order the tenant to vacate. In addition to getting the tenant removed, you can ask the court to award back rent and the fees and costs accrued while obtaining the eviction. Getting non-paying tenants out of a leased space quickly is key to maintaining the integrity and profitability of your property, and we will fight to protect your investment.
Defending against housing discrimination complaints
Under Virginia fair housing laws, landlords with three or more homes or large multi-unit properties are prohibited from denying housing based on a tenant’s race, religion, nationality, gender, age, family status, military status, disability or source of income. For example, charging a government voucher tenant higher rent, limiting a protected group’s access to amenities and changing rental requirements depending on the tenant’s background would all violate fair housing laws. Landlords found in violation of these are subject to significant fines, including legal fees and costs. We know how to combat baseless housing discrimination complaints, as well as implement strategies to avoid potential liability down the road.
Contact a proven Virginia law firm today to schedule a free consultation
At Reinhardt Vandenbrook, PLLC, we are adept at addressing complex property issues and represent landlords throughout Virginia in disputes with tenants. Please call 804-486-6100 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.
