What are the legal obligations of a tenant in regards to paying all rent due?

In Virginia, a tenant’s legal obligation to pay rent is outlined in the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act (VRLTA). Under the VRLTA, tenants are obligated to pay their rent in full and on time. Tenants must also comply with any additional rental agreements they have made with their landlord, including any late fees or additional payments due. The Virginia Code states that all tenants must be given a written notice of the amount of rent due and when it is due. The rent is generally due on the date stated in the lease, and may be paid by cash, check, or money order. In some cases, tenants may be able to arrange for automatic payments from their checking account or credit card. If a tenant fails to pay rent in full and on time, the landlord can legally terminate the lease. However, in some cases, the landlord may choose to give the tenant a chance to pay the rent before terminating the lease. Additionally, the tenant must pay the full amount of rent due in order to keep the lease in good standing. In circumstances where a tenant pays late or misses a payment, they may be required to pay a late fee. This fee is usually outlined in the lease agreement. However, Virginia law limits the amount of late fees that can be charged in any given month; the amount must not exceed 5% of the monthly rent. Lastly, it is important to note that tenants also have the right to withhold rent if the landlord fails to comply with state or local housing codes, or fails to make necessary repairs to the property, such as fixing the heat or running water. This should only be done as a last resort, and tenants should always consult a lawyer before taking such drastic action.

What are the legal obligations of a tenant in regards to paying all rent due?

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