What rights do tenants have when it comes to repairs and maintenance?
In Virginia, tenants have the right to a safe and livable dwelling. Under state law, landlords must keep the premises in safe, clean, and sanitary condition. This means that they must make necessary repairs and conduct regular maintenance. The landlord must keep the elements of the property in working order. For instance, they must repair broken electrical wiring, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning systems. Additionally, they must make sure the property is up to code at all times, including having smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Landlords must respond to any repair requests or complaints from their tenants within a reasonable amount of time. If they do not address the issue, the tenant may be able to deduct the cost of the repairs from their rent payments. Tenants also have the right to withhold rent until the repairs are made. However, they must notify the landlord of their intentions and provide proof that they have requested the repairs first. If the issue is an emergency, such as a burst pipe or a broken window, tenants can hire someone to make the repair and bill the landlord. Lastly, tenants can file a complaint with the tenant-landlord commission in Virginia if their rights are not being respected.
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