Are there laws that protect a tenant from harassment?

Yes, there are laws in Virginia that protect tenants from harassment. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) states that a landlord shall not interfere with or harass a tenant in regard to their tenancy. This means that a landlord cannot do things that are intended to make it difficult for a tenant to stay in their home, such as changing their locks or turning off their utilities. Furthermore, the VRLTA also prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants for exercising their rights. For instance, a landlord cannot increase the tenant’s rent or evict them in response to them filing a complaint. In some cases, a tenant may be able to seek a court order prohibiting further harassment by the landlord if the harassment is serious or ongoing. This order can legally require the landlord to stop harassing the tenant and can also allow the tenant to be compensated for any damages caused by the landlord’s behavior. Tenants should also be aware of their rights to contact law enforcement if they are facing harassment from their landlord. Although the police may not have the authority to evict the landlord, they may be able to take other steps to ensure the tenant is safe. In Virginia, tenants have a right to be free from harassment by their landlord and there are laws in place that protect them against this type of behavior. It is important for tenants to be aware of their rights and to take action if they are facing harassment.

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Are there laws that protect a tenant from harassment?

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