Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Virginia

Abandoned renovations to be done by homeowner

Homeowner started renovations (with out a permit) prior to lease signing. In the lease, a hand written note by the home owner was inserted stating ''on going renovations'' yet in two years, no work was done. The previous demolition included removal of a load-barring wall (currently supported by 3 2x4's being nailed together). Homeowner received rent monthly from tenants and insisted that rent be in cash. Homeowner would consistantly mention intention of doing work ''soon''. Previous removal of Gypsum board, insulation, cut and exposed electrical wiring, and improper plumbing to be replaced in main area of house. Rewiring of fuse-box, cut and exposed wiring in house, replacement of gypsum board, replacement of insulation, proper plumbing lines were verbally mentioned as ''on going renovations'' that were not done in the two-years tenants occupied the house. Tenants had verbal permission to hang plastic in the mentioned areas until homeowner 'could get to them'. During move-out in April, homeowner came to house and asked that tenants hang blankets in the windows so that the city inspector would not be able to see into the house. Is this considered abandoned work? where can help be found to support upcoming civil case?

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