Are there any exceptions to Fair Housing Law for existing tenants?

Yes, there are certain exceptions to Fair Housing Law for existing tenants in Virginia. Generally, landlords are not allowed to discriminate against potential tenants based on their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. However, existing tenants are exempt from several components of the law. For example, existing tenants who are elderly, have disabilities, reside in subsidized housing, or receive government assistance are not protected against discrimination in the form of eviction, rent increases, or change of terms of the lease. Landlords may also refuse to renew a lease if the tenant has a history of damaging the property or has committed a crime on the premises. In addition, existing tenants may be legally evicted if they are disruptive to other tenants or fail to comply with the terms of the rental agreement. These tenants are also not generally covered by the Virginia Fair Housing Law when it comes to discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, or disability. Finally, some local jurisdictions in Virginia have additional rental protections and options for existing tenants that are not generally found in the Virginia Fair Housing Law. These local laws may provide additional protections or require landlords to provide cause when evicting an existing tenant. It is important for tenants to check with their local jurisdictions to see what additional protections may exist in their area.

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Are there any exceptions to Fair Housing Law for existing tenants?

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