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The Consumer Affairs Branch provides mediation and arbitration for tenant-landlord complaints.
File a
Complaint
If you have a tenant landlord problem, you can file a complaint on-line, download a complaint form, or contact the Consumer Affairs
Branch at 703-222-8435, TTY 711 to have a complaint form sent to you.
Mediation
When you file a tenant-landlord complaint, an investigator will be
assigned to your case. The investigator will mediate the complaint
between the tenant and landlord, and try to negotiate a resolution that
is satisfactory to both parties. If a tenant-landlord law has been
broken, the Consumer Affairs Branch works with the party to come into
compliance with the law
Arbitration
If mediation is not successful, a voluntary but legally-binding
arbitration process is available as a last resort before proceeding to
court actions. The investigator assigned to mediate your complaint will
advise you if arbitration is an option.
Laws
The Virginia
Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), establishes the rights
and responsibilities of tenants and landlords and applies to ALL
apartment rental agreements. In Fairfax County, the VRLTA also applies to
single-family, town-house and condominium unit rental agreements, but
ONLY if the landlord owns and rents more than four such units, or if the
lease agreement specifically references the VRLTA.
If you are not covered by the VRLTA, you have fewer coices. The lease should state the full agreement between the tenant and landlord. Also, Chapter 13 - Landlord and Tenant, of the Virginia code applies if the landlord is exempt from the VRLTA, or if there is not a lease agreement. This chapter is referred to as "common law".
Chapter 12 The Fairfax County Code applies to rental agreements for dwelling units located within Fairfax County. Chapter 12 establishes policies that govern relationships between tenants and landlords, and outlines the duties of Consumer Affairs and the Tenant Landlord Commission.
Publications
The Handbook for
Tenants and Landlords is an explanation of the Virginia Residential
Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), tenant-landlord laws, standard
practices, and principles, contains useful advice for tenants and
landlords.
The Tenant-Landlord Arbitration pamphlet describes the voluntary but binding process for resolving tenant-landlord disputes.
The Tenant Resource Sheet (also available in Espanol) provides information for tenants so they know which county agency to call if they need assistance with repair or maintenance problems in their rental dwelling.
What Tenants and Landlords Need To Know (also available in Espanol.) This brochure answers many of the questions frequently asked by tenants and landlords and provides links to applicable laws and resources.This brochure is offered by the Tenant-Landlord Commission and the Consumer Affairs Branch.
Related Organizations
Tenant-Landlord
Commission, its members, purpose, and meeting schedule.
FAQs
Frequently Asked
Questions about Tenant-Landlord issues.
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