This presentation details some of the rights, rules, and regulations of landlord/tenant relations as they are laid out under the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act (VRLTA). What landlords need to know about Virginia Uniform Building Code and Fairfax County Human Rights Ordinances are noted as well.

1. What Landlords Need to Know Consumer Affairs Branch Fairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Services fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

2. The Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act (VRLTA) Establishes the rights and obligations of tenants and landlords in Virginia. In Fairfax County, the VRLTA applies to all apartment buildings and other multi-family dwellings. Single-family, townhouse, and condominium rental agreements, where the landlord owns and rents four or fewer units are exempt. Tenant-Landlord Laws fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

3. Chapter 13 – Landlord and Tenant This 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”. The lease should state the full agreement between the tenant and landlord. Tenant-Landlord Laws fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

4. Chapter 12 – Tenant-Landlord Relations The Fairfax County Code, applies to rental agreements for dwelling units located within Fairfax County. This code requires landlords to post a sign advising tenants of the existence of the Tenant-Landlord Commission. Outlines the duties of Consumer Affairs and the Tenant Landlord Commission. Tenant-Landlord Laws fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

5. Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code Establishes the minimum standards for health and safety in all dwellings occupied by a tenant. Applies to all rental agreements. Enforced by the Fairfax County Zoning Enforcement Branch, and the Fairfax County Health Department. Tenant-Landlord Laws fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

6. Fairfax County Human Rights Ordinance Prohibits discrimination in housing on the basis of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or familial status. Contact the Fairfax County Human Rights Commission at 703 324-2953 or www.fairfaxcounty.gov/hrc Tenant-Landlord Laws fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

7. Length of the tenancy Amount of rent per month Amount of security deposit Fees: late fee, application fee, pet fee, etc. Number of people who can live at the rental Which party is responsible for utilities and other costs What’s in the Lease Agreement? fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

8. If pets are allowed and if so, the terms and conditions If the tenant can sublet or have a roommate The landlord’s access to the rental unit Landlord’s responsibilities Tenant’s responsibilities Rules governing behavior What’s in the Lease Agreement? fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

9. Move-In Inspection fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

10. Move-Out Inspection fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

11. Maintain the dwelling unit in a decent, safe, and sanitary condition, and comply with all building and housing codes that affect health and safety. When the landlord provides appliances or services, they must be maintained in good and safe working order and condition electrical plumbing, sanitary heating ventilating air-conditioning appliances other facilities including elevators Repairs and Maintenance fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

12. Step 1: Notice to Tenants 5 day Pay or Quit 30 Day Notice to Vacate Step 2: Unlawful Detainer Step 3: Writ of Possession in Unlawful Detainer Step 4: Eviction Eviction fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer

13. Contact the Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch for more information: 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 433 Fairfax, Virginia 22035 703-222-8435 TTY 711 www.fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov fairfaxcounty.gov/consumer Contact Consumer Affairs