What are the laws governing landlord-tenant relations in my state?

In Virginia, both landlords and tenants are bound by specific laws pertaining to their relations. Tenants have the right to live in a property that is in good condition and meets all safety requirements; landlords must maintain the premises and make all necessary repairs in a timely manner. Tenants must pay rent on time, and landlords must provide at least 30 days notice before raising the rent or changing the terms of the lease. Landlords must also provide the tenant with written notice if they plan to enter the premises, unless it is an emergency. In the event of eviction, landlords must serve the tenant with a written notice at least 30 days in advance. The tenant then has 14 days to vacate the premises before the landlord can take legal action to remove them. In addition, landlords must keep all security deposits and rent payments in a separate account and provide the tenant with an itemized list of any deductions that are taken. They cannot deduct for any damage that was caused by normal wear and tear from the tenant’s occupancy of the property. Finally, Virginia law is very protective of tenant’s rights against discrimination. Landlords are not permitted to discriminate against prospective tenants based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, or familial status. In addition, tenants cannot be evicted if they join a tenant organization such as a union or tenant association.

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