I rented a condo in VA for two and half years from a property owner who owns less than 10 properties. So, they are not governed by the tenant-landlord laws. However, my lease requires that I receive and itemized deduction within 30 days of moveout and the return of the security deposit within 45 days.

I have informed them of my rights as specified in my lease however they did not provide an itemized list by the 30 days notice and returned only $200 of a $1500 security deposit!

I would like to sue but I don't know where to look for the appropriate VA law or what my legal rights are. Would I sue for breach of contract because my lease is different then the current laws that I have seen(45days return of security deposit with itemized deductions vs. my lease that says 30 days for itemized deduction and 45 days for return of security deposit)?

Please help.

Hello v:

You sue in small claims court. Rules there are greatly relaxed, so you won't be punished if you sue for the wrong thing... But, breach of contract seems appropriate to me. There's only a couple of forms you fill out, and you simply explain what your case is about.

excon