Virginia's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act treats bed bug infestation as a habitability issue; Richmond landlords must maintain rental units free of pests and must remediate confirmed infestations.
Under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), landlords must keep dwelling units fit and habitable, which courts interpret to include freedom from infestations. Tenants must give written notice of suspected bed bugs and provide reasonable access for treatment. Richmond Code Compliance can inspect rental units and order treatment under Chapter 11 property maintenance rules. Tenants may pursue rent abatement or termination through the Eviction Diversion Program and General District Court if a landlord refuses to remediate after written notice.
Landlords who fail to remediate confirmed bed bug infestations may face habitability suits, rent abatement orders, and Code Compliance abatement assessed against the property.
Richmond, VA
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Richmond, VA
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See how Richmond's bed-bug rules rules stack up against other locations.
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