Tenant-Landlord

  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 choices.  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.

On May 20, 2009, a new federal law. Protecting Tenants at Foreclosure Act was passed to protect tenants in foreclosed rental properties.  § 55-225.10 of the Virginia code requires a landlord to give written notice to a tenant of a mortgage default, notice of mortgage acceleration, or notice of foreclosure sale relative to the loan on the dwelling unit within five business days after written notice from the lender is received by the landlord.

Publications

Before you rent a place to live or before you rent a place you own, you need to understand what’s in a lease agreement.  Rights, responsibilities, and obligations should be clearly stated in the lease agreement.  Before you rent, review the Lease Checklist so you are aware of the items that should be addressed and get links to tenant-landlord laws. 

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 Resource Sheet  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 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.

Whether you’re renting an apartment, townhouse, condominium or single family home, you can save money by improving the energy efficiency of your rental dwelling. Read Energy Saving Tips for Renters to find out how.  

Related Organizations
Tenant-Landlord Commission, its members, purpose, and meeting schedule.

FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions about Tenant-Landlord issues.