Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Virginia

Landlord/Tenant Problem.

I had a verbal agreement with my landlord to pay rent by the month, on the first of every month. On June 30th, I handed the keys in and moved out. I received a letter on July 14th from the landlord saying I owed $500 for rent, for the month of July, $100 for apt cleaning, and $50 for carpet cleaning. She states I owe the 500 for rent for not giving a notice, even though that stipulation was never verbally agreed upon. She claims that if I do not pay by July 31st, she will file a debt warrant on me. What I want to know is, can she legally charge me rent for the month of July? I never spent a day in July living in said apartment. Also, she has not mentioned the security deposit that I paid when I moved in, over a year ago. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


Asked on 7/15/07, 4:47 pm

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

Re: Landlord/Tenant Problem.

Chances are that what was orally agreed to between you and the landlord was merely an extension of the written lease on a month to month basis which you originally signed before you moved in.

And, if such is the case, the written lease undoubtedly contained a provision for at least 30 days of advance notice to the landlord required from the tenant(you)and probably also referenced one or more provisions having to do with the security deposit and what it might be used for in the event that the tenant terminates the lease.

And, consequently, if all of the above is true and correct, the landlord would have a basis to file the warrant in debt against you if she receives no rent from you for the month of July.

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Answered on 7/15/07, 5:35 pm


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