Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia

Verbal Lease Renewl and validity

My lease is up at the end of September. About 3 weeks ago I called and asked if it would be possible to renew for another year. (I did the same thing last year and was sent an attachment to my lease to sign extending my lease for another year). So far I have not be sent anything to sign to renew the lease.

It has now come up that I may have to move closer to the city. I want to change my terms from a year lease to either a month-to-month or a 6 month lease in case I have to move. Since I haven't signed anything would this still be possible or am I ''locked'' into a lease by verbal agreement for a 1 year lease?????


Asked on 8/27/02, 9:50 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Verbal Lease Renewl and validity

Although oral leases are permissible, if there's the requisite meeting of the minds of the parties involved, your question would suggest that there

may not have been that level of commitment in

that "you called and asked if it would be possible to renew for another year." Obviously, that's a question and not the clear assertion of

your will to enter a lease for another year.

You should contact the landlord or his reps and

explain that new circumstances have arisen in your

situation that require that you now have a month

to month or six month lease arrangement.

If they agree to this, make sure the agreement is memorialized in some written form for your future protection.

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Answered on 8/27/02, 12:27 pm


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