How can tenants challenge a rent increase?

In Virginia, tenants can challenge a rent increase in a couple of different ways. First, if the tenant has a rental agreement or lease, they should review the document to determine if the increase is in accordance with the text of the agreement. For instance, if the agreement states that the rent can only be increased after a certain period of time, then a rent increase that violates this rule would be considered invalid. Second, if the tenant feels that the increase is not justified, they may contact the landlord or property manager and ask for an explanation as to why the rent is being raised. At this point, the tenant can negotiate with the landlord to reduce or eliminate the increase, or they can look at other options such as finding another place to live. Finally, if the tenant is still unsatisfied with the rent increase, they may take the landlord to court and argue against the increase. In court, the tenant can demonstrate that the rent increase is unfair, unreasonable, or otherwise illegal. The court may then dictate that the landlord must either reduce the rent or that the tenant need not pay the increase.

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How can tenants challenge a rent increase?

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