How to Avoid Getting “Noticed”

5-Day Notice

A 5-Day Notice to Pay or Vacate is given to tenants who are behind on their rent beyond any applicable grace period.  This is an official warning to the tenant to pay the amount due, vacate the premises, or face eviction charges before an official complaint is filed in court.

How to avoid getting noticed? 

Pay your rent on time!

21/30 Notice

A 21/30 Notice is given to a tenant who has violated a non-rent related provision of the lease or the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act.  This notice gives the tenant 21 days to fix the problem, 30 days to vacate the premises, or face eviction.

EXAMPLES: “No pets allowed” is stated in your lease and you have a pet; disturbing the peace with loud music; not keeping the property clean and safe.

How to avoid getting noticed?

Abide by the provisions of your lease!

When Problems Arise

• Don’t panic or overreact.
• Discuss the situation openly with your landlord and work on negotiation.
• Give landlords a reasonable amount of time to fix any non-sanitary issue. Only urgent heating, kitchen, or bathroom sanitation needs should be addressed within 24 hours.
• If a landlord will not fix a problem, you are still legally responsible to pay your rent and maintain your lease. If issues remain, pursue resolution through the use of an escrow account. Call the General District Court at (434) 847-1639.

Interruption of Utilities and Services

Interruption of utilities and services by the owner or agent is illegal except in cases of repair or emergency.  This includes any service, equipment or utility required under the minimum standards housing code.  Students renting in a private home or rooming house should be especially sensitive to these concerns.

VIRGINIA LAW

For complete information, please refer to the Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (1988).