Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia

My father (90 year old LL) signed a contract with a lady to lease his apartment to her. He received 1 month deposit, and 1st month rent. 1 hour later she said she had changed her mind and wants all of her money back.
My father cashed her check, and wants to keep 1 months rent as "compensation" for her cancelling the contract.
Is there a grace period after signing a rental contract in VA ?
What are my father's obligations as LL? In the contract there are no provisions for "grace period" after signing the contract.
Thank you in advance

Asked on 5/03/11, 1:20 am

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

0 users found helpful

0 attorneys agreed

It would appear that the provisions of the contract itself should govern this issue of what is refundable or not under the circumstances described.

And, if in fact there is no legal requirement that your grandfather refund his

tenant anything under these facts, if she were to find an acceptable substitute

tenant in her place, he may wish to exercise some flexibility in his position

and give her all of her money back.

And, no, under Virginia law, there is no "grace period' applicable to rental contracts.

Answered on 5/03/11, 8:11 am

Keywords

Match Any Match All

Country

State

Area of Law