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RoyGBivUV · May 1, 2009, 01:00 PM

I was recently told by an attorney that the VRLTA does not apply to me.

I am a landlord for a condominium apartment in Virginia. It's my only investment property. In fact, it's my only property, period. I'm not incorporated. I just rent it out to a tenant. It's a normal condominium apartment.

Am I held to the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act, or is this property excluded from that Act?

As a follow-up, the lawyer suggested that I take out references to the VRLTA from my lease template, stating that I was not bound by it, and that it serves my little purpose.

The attorney gave me this advice during a 30-minute free initial consultation. I am concerned that you get what you pay for. Any recommendations?

ScottGem · May 1, 2009, 01:32 PM

You might want to familiarize yourself with the law:
http://propertymanagersofvirginia.co...t.28691455.pdf

However, I would agree with the attorney. While the law doesn't specify, I believe a condo would be considered a single Family residence. And since you own less than 10, you would not be coverred.

RoyGBivUV · May 1, 2009, 06:21 PM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

You might want to familiarize yourself with the law:
http://propertymanagersofvirginia.co...t.28691455.pdf

However, I would agree with the attorney. While the law doesn't specify, I believe a condo would be considered a single Family residence. And since you own less than 10, you would not be coverred.

Ah, thank you ScottGem. That version of the doc makes it more clear. I had read another version and it wasn't quite as obvious to me. Of course, part of that was the fact that my understanding of what an apartment is was wrong to begin with, hence the confusion. But it's quite clear to me now.

Personally, I consider the VRLTA a fairly well thought out set of rules. It does make sense to me that it's more "tenant-friendly" than I necessarily need to be then. But then again... it seems pretty balanced. I'm not overly opposed to it, personally. I suppose I haven't thought it through yet though. Best for me to put my devious hat on and look through it and see how it can bite me I guess.

Thanks!