Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Virginia

Landlord increases rent because dog

I just received a note from our landlord that because we have a dog inside that they are increasing the rent because they are afraid of damages by the dog. Is this legal? We have a lease & sec dep til July. The landlord has known about the dog since April. This winter it has done nothing but snow and the temp has bearly risen above 25 degrees. On cold days the dog stays in the basement where there is a cement floor. We offered to move only to receive a letter from their lawyer that they will hold us to the balance of the lease if we do. What is the best way to proceed in this?


Asked on 2/17/04, 8:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Landlord increases rent because dog

The only real issue is whether your current lease contains terms which allow for the summary increase in rent under the circumstances which

you've described. If not, then you are entitled to keep paying the rent amount you've been paying up until the time the lease expires in July when, presumably, you'll be looking for premises that take a kinder view towards canine companionship.

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Answered on 2/17/04, 11:47 pm


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