Are landlords allowed to charge an application fee in accordance with Fair Housing Law?
Yes, landlords are allowed to charge an application fee in accordance with Fair Housing Law in Virginia. The guidelines for fair housing law in Virginia are outlined by the Virginia Fair Housing Law found in the Code of Virginia. According to this law, landlords are allowed to charge a fee for processing rental applications. This fee, however, must not be discriminatory and should apply to all potential tenants equally—meaning that landlords cannot charge a higher application fee to certain tenants on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, handicap, familial status, or elderliness. The Virginia Fair Housing Law states that landlords can only collect an application fee if the amount is listed in the rental agreement and is not later increased. The application fee must also contain the services the landlord is performing in exchange for the fee. Additionally, any application fee that is charged must be returned to the tenant in case they are rejected for the property or if the property is no longer available for rent. In summary, landlords in Virginia are allowed to charge an application fee in accordance with Fair Housing Law. It is important for landlords to adhere to the guidelines of the Virginia Fair Housing Law in order to ensure they are providing fair and equal treatment to all potential tenants.
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