I helped my client buy an investment property and now they want to understand landlord-tenant rights under Virginia law. How can I help them? 

Remember that when representing a landlord or tenant, your brokerage representation ends at lease ratification. If you want to assist a landlord in managing their tenant after ratification of a lease, you will have to sign a property management agreement with the landlord. In the meantime, Fairfax County has developed some helpful resources that you can share with your previous client so they can better understand the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). These resources are applicable throughout all of Virginia:

• What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know | Cable and Consumer Services – These are common FAQs on Landlord and Tenant rights.
• Lease Checklist | Cable and Consumer Services – A great checklist for important provisions in a lease.
• Tenant-Landlord Handbook 2022 – This comprehensive handbook has a detailed breakdown of most provisions in the VRLTA, written in layman’s terms.
• Tenant-Landlord Publications, Brochures, Checklists, and Videos | Cable and Consumer Services – This is a resource hub for landlords and tenants in Virginia.
• Tenant Resource Sheet | Cable and Consumer Services – Contact information for tenants seeking assistance with health and safety in rentals.
• Eviction Process | Sheriff – Finally, in the event of an eviction, a step-by-step guide for Landlords on how to file.
• Find trusted lawyers in Virginia | Virginia Lawyer Referral Service – This no-strings-attached service allows tenants and landlords to speak to an attorney for a low cost to determine if they have a case.