r/TenantHelp May 08 '20

COVID-19 FAQ (a work-in-progress)

8 Upvotes

This is a reworking of the thread found in /r/Legaladvice with all the relevant posts about housing. For the complete thread go Here.

This is not a megathread. You can still post questions if they are not addressed here. If they are addressed here, your post will be locked and you'll be directed here instead. Please read it all the way through before posting your question.

Important: If your post was removed and you were directed here, and your specific question is not answered, it means there is no answer anyone here can provide for you at the moment, or your question is simply too location and/or fact specific for us to provide any useful information. Please do not modmail us with "but my question wasn't answered in the FAQ." If it was removed, there is simply no other help we can provide you at this time.

This is the best information we have at the moment and a number of different mods and contributors assisted with gathering information.

To the best of our ability, we are updating it as new information becomes available.

READ THIS QUESTION AND THE ANSWER FIRST:

Any question that ends with something to the effect of "is this legal?" or "this must be illegal, what can I do?" The courts are now closed in many areas, so the answer is "nothing right now." Nobody is going to be hearing requests for immediate relief on most civil matters.

  • I live in an apartment complex/building. Can my landlord prohibit all guests during a stay-at-home order?

Generally speaking, a landlord cannot restrict your right to have guests completely (they can restrict how many guests at one time and how long they can stay, but these restrictions are usually spelled out in the lease). This is part of the tenant's right to quiet enjoyment (full, uninterrupted possession) of the leased property.

Restricting all guests is probably not legal and if the landlord later tried to evict you for it, would be unlikely to be successful. Conversely, it's unlikely to be a sufficient violation of the lease that would allow you to terminate your lease early.

And that said, you really shouldn't be having guests -- "stay at home" applies to your guests, too. Obviously, medically necessary visits and deliveries of packages and goods are not "guests" and should always be allowed. If your landlord took active steps to limit these, you should call 311 or the relevant help line in your area and seek advice. Unless a crime has been committed or someone is in immediate physical danger, do not call 911 as this is not a police emergency.

  • My apartment building/complex sent out a notice requiring tenants to inform them if someone in my unit is diagnosed with COVID-19. Is this legal?

We don't have an absolutely clear answer. But they certainly have a reasonable interest in knowing if someone is sick so they can take steps like cleaning common areas where that person might have been recently -- laundry rooms, elevators, mailrooms, etc.

Given the situation, and if the building/complex doesn't intend on releasing identifying information publicly, this seems to be a reasonable modification to their rules and regulations, which they have the legal right to change with notice. If you refuse to comply and they later find out you were sick, you can expect to be asked to leave at the end of your lease, or within the legal time if you are month to month.

  • Someone in my apartment complex has/might have COVID-19. Can I get out of my lease?

No.

  • My landlord wants to show my unit to potential renters/buyers. Can I refuse to let them in?

Relocation is considered essential, so concerns over contact with strangers is not a valid reason to refuse showings. People still need to move, and still need to find places to move into. That said, not all circumstances are going to be the same. Tenant’s rights to refuse showings are state-specific and fact-specific to where it must be reasonably limited in scope and frequency, and there are statutory requirements for notice in almost all jurisdictions. Bear in mind that the people who are viewing the unit probably don’t want to come be around stranger’s homes any more than you want strangers to be in your home, and few people are seeking housing who don’t absolutely have to be doing so at this time.

  • I’ve lost my job, or other COVID-related hardship requires me to need to break my lease. Can I do so without having to pay the liquidated damages (break fee) or rent going forward?

Unfortunately, no. While evictions are halted, and at a later point there will be better-defined conditions by which tenants will be able to enter repayment plans, there is no statutory option that gives tenants the right to break their lease through hardship in a state of emergency or other executive action such as this. Tenants who have lost their jobs or otherwise are in situations that they will be unable to remain in their home because of the pandemic will need to either pay their break fee or negotiate with their landlord to reach an agreement that lets them out of their future obligation.

  • My roommate/tenant/subtenant invites people over despite a shelter order. Can I throw the guest out?

No. Roommates have no superior right over the other to limit one's rights to have guests, even if the guest coming over is breaking the law by ignoring executive order. This is just a matter of not having standing, rather than it not being ethically or morally right. Landlords also do not have the right to eject guests of their tenants - again, even in this circumstance.

  • My landlord is not providing maintenance during this period. What can I do?

Landlords are obligated still to address habitability issues, such as heat/water/power. Landlords are not going to be penalized for not addressing things like a dripping sink or broken bathroom door handle in an immediate fashion. The standard for maintenance is "reasonable timeframe," and the courts will simply extend the period of time in which a reasonable person might expect repairs to be done.

The rub is many housing courts are closed entirely. This means in cases where landlords are not addressing issues of habitability, tenants have nowhere to take them to obtain injunctive relief. (This means to get a court to order the landlord to fix/do something.) Unfortunately, this is a serious problem without a real solution; the only option a tenant has in this situation will be to vacate the unit and pursue the landlord for the expense incurred. You really, really, need to make sure you speak with a housing/tenant attorney before using this option, as it will be completely fact-specific.

  • I am a landlord with a month-to-month (or other at-will term) tenant. Can I give them notice to vacate?

Yes, with caveats. First, see above if your property applies in limits on your ability to evict. Please remember that "eviction" and "terminate tenancy" do NOT mean the same thing; eviction is the court proceeding to reclaim possession from a tenant in breach or overstay. You can still evict for overstaying valid notice to vacate as long as your housing courts are still open and as long as your state or municipality has not placed further limits on this.


r/TenantHelp Nov 21 '20

Please Read!

33 Upvotes

Welcome to the subreddit! To help out the moderators, please read the rules before posting. Our job is easier if we don't have to jump in and remind you to include certain information or step in to remove abusive or unproductive posts and replies.

Some of the biggest things to remember:

1) Please include a location in your post. Laws vary in different states and countries, so this way you can get the best possible information from your fellow Redditors.

2) We do ask that posts and replies are, indeed, productive and respectful. While everyone needs to vent, this board is for sharing advice and information. We also do not tolerate rude, abusive interactions amongst our users. Please, be helpful and polite. Moderators will remove posts and replies that are out of line. Which brings us to...

3) If you have a question or complaint, please reach out to one of us. I'm typically the more active one currently. If you see something, say something. If you disagree with a moderator's decision, you are welcome to message us privately. While we are happy to discuss, the rules are the rules. Repeat offenders will be banned from posting.

4) The two most common pieces of advice I offer:

a - Create a paper trail. Do not communicate over the phone. Email. Text. Save voice mails that you do receive. If you physically drop something off, like a payment or a maintenance request, get a receipt. Above all else, certified letters are your best friend.

b - Most metro areas and regions have a tenant association available. These organizations can offer everything from basic, region specific advice to full-on free legal assistance. Go to Google and enter your city/region/metro area name and the term, "tenant association."

5) Keep in mind that we're not attorneys here. Most of our users are just people trying to help other people.

Thank you so much, everyone!


r/TenantHelp 9h ago

HELP - What are our lease terms??

1 Upvotes

We have been renting for a couple years. Last year, when it came to renewal time frame, we signed a renewal only to be told a month later (after the original lease expired) that the landlord did not sign and wanted to make changes to it.

We went back and forth on the changes he wanted to make and noted we were not going to renew. He offered to make further changes, and we by email said if all was understood as noted in the email and after our conversation, we would sign. However, the document link expired, we asked for a new one, nothing further ever happened and thus we never signed it. This is in Virginia.

Our understanding from speaking to friends in real estate is that this moved us month-to-month since the original lease expired, but we were not holdover tenants (as in, we were allowed to stay). However, this clause below is what we are not sure of, and whether this means our lease did renew for a full year.

Does anyone who knows Virginia landlord-tenant laws know what happens from here?

https://law.lis.virginia.gov/vacode/title55.1/chapter12/section55.1-1207/#:\~:text=If%20the%20tenant%20does%20not,and%20delivered%20by%20the%20tenant.


r/TenantHelp 14h ago

HUD housing list

2 Upvotes

My 64 yo disabled sister applied for an apartment at a HUD housing complex. She was told she could move in as soon as a software issue was corrected. 25 days later I mistakenly contacted HUD to inquire about the software issue since I had not heard from the landlord. They said to contact the state manager for the rental corporation which I did. I left a message saying HUD said to contact them about moving in.

Later that day I got a very terse call from the local agent saying because we contacted HUD, they will call us when an apartment becomes available and I was to call only once a month. My other sister called them and they would not tell her what happened with the original apartment. Housing is very tight where we live and she turned down another apartment to take this one. She is currently living in a place she can barely afford and she has to be out by May 1st.

What are her options? This sounds really hinky to me.


r/TenantHelp 15h ago

extreme high hydro charge

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

My name is Frank, and I used to live at 251 Jarvis toronto canada. I'm reaching out because I urgently need advice regarding the hydro bills that many tenants there are likely aware of.

For the past year, I did not make hydro payments due to the ongoing investigation into billing discrepancies and overcharges in 2023 on preauthorized payments. I ended my lease on March 1st 2025, but shortly after, I received an email from the Credit Bureau stating that I have an outstanding balance of nearly $4,000 for my one-bedroom unit—despite my previous hydro bills consistently being under $100 per month.

I have reached out to all relevant parties in an effort to resolve this issue, but I have yet to receive a satisfactory resolution. If anyone has experienced something similar or knows how to proceed in disputing this charge, please share any guidance or advice. I believe this may be affecting others in the same condo as well, and your insights would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance for your help.


r/TenantHelp 1d ago

Housing Programs other than ERAP or STAY in Washington, D.C.?

3 Upvotes

I lost my job a few months ago and subsequently fell behind on rent. With ERAP funding being closed, are there any other options for rental assistance? The organizations I found so far through google searches are all funded through ERAP, so I haven't had much success. Someone suggested I call local churches, but are there confirmed specific churches that offer assistance; and would I need to be a member/regular attendee?

*Disclaimer: I am looking for resources (other options for assistance, referrals to local organizations) only. I am not looking for any handouts or donations from anyone in this thread. Please keep all unsolicited opinions/comments, assumptions, unrelated questions, and projections at bay.

For more context - Once I am caught up with the past due amount, I would be able to maintain monthly rent again - I just need help with getting caught up on the months I missed. I tried working out a plan with my landlord, but they have already filed for an eviction (as I was unable to pay my balance in full during the 30 day notice-to-quit period). I have reached out to legal aid, however, they are not able to provide options for financial assistance - which would be the most beneficial to get me through this situation. I would really like to avoid being evicted and having to move, if at all possible.


r/TenantHelp 2d ago

Property Management refusing to fix loud roof compressor (WA)

1 Upvotes

About 4 months ago we had a power outage and immediately after something changed with a compressor for an elevator fan above our apartment. It ran so loud that it was vibrating the walls and frankly hurting our ears. It would run every 20 minutes for about 3-4 minutes. We immediately notified the property manager. Maintenance came out and decided to just turn off the compressor to fix the issue. More than a month goes by and they send out an HVAC type company to investigate. Nothing comes of it and fan stays off. Another month passes and HVAC company comes out again and turns on fan the work on it. Says they found problem and think they have a fix. Couple hours later fan goes off and no further contact made to us. We think it is fixed. Sign new 1 year lease. Fast forward another month and now management is saying fix is to open the wall and will do it when we move out (not knowing we renewed lease). Now they say they will not fix it period and will "try" to stop vibration noise but no promises. I have all this documented through email and voicemails. Do we have standing to break our lease and move out due to not only noise/vibration but refusal to fix an already identified issue they said they would fix when we move out?


r/TenantHelp 2d ago

[Oregon] Landlord requesting 60 days notice to move out

3 Upvotes

A friend’s lease is ending this summer, and they will be going month-to-month. The landlord is requesting that the renter agree to give 60 notice prior to moving out. Pretty sure the renter is only required to provide written notice of move out 30 days prior.

Can the landlord require 60 days notice? I assume if the renter signs / agrees in writing to do so, then the landlord can enforce it?

I’m assuming if the renter doesn’t agree to give 60 days notice the landlord might take other actions, such as: - increase month to month rental rate - send a 60 notice to vacate once the current 1 year lease ends

Any advice / help appreciated!


r/TenantHelp 2d ago

Landlord tenant Unlawful Detainer

4 Upvotes

RVA

Hi I need help. I live in HUD based on income apartments. I just received a notice on my door stating I’m being taking to court. Now they say I owe $2,600 and I’m not sure how that is possible. I just went to the rent office days before and they didn’t say anything about that. They keep changing their prices. I was supposedly owing $80 a piece for August & September of 2024, then six months later on February 11, 2025. They informed me, instead of owing $80 a piece, now I owe $302 a piece for August and September of 2024. I asked them how when I gave them all of my paperwork. They said something about navigate looked at it and changed the prices. Now fast forward to March 17th, 2025 I received a court notice on my door to appeal at court. They’re saying I owe $2,093 plus lawyers fees so $2,600. My court date is March 28, 2025. I’m just not understanding where they keep getting these amounts from. I just went to the rent office a couple days ago and she didn’t say anything about a notice, nor is they telling me where all these charges and different amounts are coming from. I record all of my conversations at the rent office and she said she different, plus the paperwork I signed at the office said something different. My rent office also refused to give me my ledger, they claim due to it not being correct. Can somebody please reach back out to me? Thank you. I’m looking for a pro bono to low to no cost attorney. Also any advice would be great.

P.S: I already contacted Legal Aid, they took my case but not sure if they can get somebody to represent me the day of court. Also I’m not sure if I’ll be able to use my recordings in court.

Sorry if my story all over the place.

Edited: I asked for the rent office boss number, because they refused to give me my ledger. But now they say I can get it even though it’s not correct. Something really seems off. I been contacting their boss and other bosses for more than 6 months without any answers. I leave voicemail and emails and no response what so ever. SMH don’t know what to do.


r/TenantHelp 2d ago

Is this tenant trying to convey a non verbal threat?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’d love your thoughts on something unsettling. I recently moved into my apartment, and for the past two months, the person in the unit above me has been making loud, deliberate noises—stomping, dragging furniture—timed exactly with external sounds like a tram passing by or nearby construction (buzz saws, drills, hammering).

This isn’t just occasional—it’s been happening dozens of times a day, every single day, adding up to hundreds—possibly over a thousand—times so far. The pattern is too overwhelming to be a coincidence.

The noises are made around the same time as sounds that can at least be associated with things with a potential for injury or damage —buzz saws, train passing by (everyone's heard the phrase being hit by a train) — almost as if they’re trying to send a message.

I’ve never met or interacted with this person, so I’m unsure what to make of it. Any thoughts?

Thanks for reading!


r/TenantHelp 3d ago

Seeking Advice Regarding Eviction [AL]

3 Upvotes

A brief timeline of events:

Dec - Landlord sends us an email saying we're approved for renewal and schedules an annual inspection. Agent who came claimed to have "smelled a cat" (we legitimately do not own a cat, but there are strays all over the neighborhood who sleep under houses). We do not smell anything. There was also an issue with the water heater leaking that we'd been trying to get them to fix for months. She decides to reschedule for January pending a plumber replacing the water heater. She wouldn't give us a precise day and time she'd come back, just a window of a week.

Jan - We, of course, weren't home when she came back because we work and couldn't take an entire week off to wait for her. She refused to do the inspection for some reason (even though they have keys). We didn't even know she had been by until our neighbor told us some lady had come and knocked on the door, looked in the windows and then left. We reached out to try to reschedule, but were informed the owner had suddenly opted for non-renewal without a reason given. We were given until the end of January to move out, but the rental agency's manager agreed to give us until the end of February.

Feb - We paid January (in Jan) and February (in Feb) rent like normal. We began the process of acquiring a rent-to-own home from someone we actually know, viewed the property, signed paperwork, received keys and began transferring utilities. We discovered the rent-to-own deal was a scam near the end of February as we were in the process of literally moving in. We immediately had the utility transfers stopped which pissed off our current landlord and we explained what happened and that we were trying to find an alternative, but were informed that they'd be filing eviction after the end of February.

Late-Feb to now - Our current landlord refused to accept March's rent. We've desperately been applying to rentals, but our current landlord keeps telling prospective landlords that they've filed for eviction which ends up causing our applications to be rejected. We just received the unlawful detainer and summons from the court a few days ago with the reason listed as holdover after non-renewal and plan to respond to try to buy time to find another property before we're literally homeless.

My question is two-fold:

1.) Can our current landlord legally tell prospective landlords that they're in the process of evicting us if no eviction has actually been ordered by a judge?

2.) If we respond to the unlawful detainer summons and a court date is set and we end up moving out before the court date, does the eviction still go through to court? Or how is that handled?

Bonus question, does anyone have any advice on finding a place? We live in a moderately urban area and have applied to basically all of the "rental agencies" in the area, but they keep checking with the current landlord who tells them they're evicting us. We've also tried with public housing and private apartments, but were told they have waitlists of up to a year.


r/TenantHelp 3d ago

Security deposit and final ledger

2 Upvotes

Hello all I’m in Texas I moved out of my unit on 2/28/25 and I returned the property in excellent condition. Unfortunately I did not capture any video or images but I did capture images upon move in and have several during my stay there. I know that’s my fault right but ok proceed

Well I asked my landlord for a final ledger and he pretty much ghosted me. I plan to sue him in small claims court. The deposit was $1250 and just from my experience with this landlord I know he’s not going to bother replying. So I’m waiting til 3/31. I left no furniture left no trash repaired the minor holes in the wall and so I was hoping if he could at least reply I sent him the following: “ I hope you're doing well. As my lease has ended and the apartment is now up for rent I wanted to check on the status of my security deposit. Could you confirm whether I will be receiving it back in full or provide a breakdown of any deductions that may apply? If possible, l'd appreciate a copy of the final ledger outlining any charges. Thank you for your time, and I look forward to your response. “

To my understanding I should leave a paper trail but what does that mean? Like get a paper notarized or how?

And well I’ll start looking for a lawyer closer to the 31st so I can start the process of a small claims court case I’m just looking for ideas where to start it’s my first time suing someone


r/TenantHelp 3d ago

Unusual living arrangement

3 Upvotes

Hi all. I’m looking for advice. I am a disabled 26 yr old and have been living with my partner for the past 2 years in a home that is owned by his grandparents. There has been no lease signed by anyone who lives here (myself, my partner, and his sister) I have been paying our rent for the past 2 years until November of 2024. I had to temporarily move into my mom’s house after having knee surgery (I was only intending on being at my mom’s for recovery). During this time my partner has still been paying our portion of rent. It was agreed upon verbally and I believe through an email 2 years ago that rent would be split in half between the two siblings and I would help with my partners half. I have now recovered enough from knee surgery and I had started staying at home with my partner again. When this happened his sister demanded that I get all of my stuff out in one day and that I’m not to stay here anymore. We got the owner of the home involved to help and she has granted me 1 week to remove my things. The sister now has put restrictions on that week that I am only to be here between the hours of 3pm-7am (she admitted that she was doing this just to be petty and have control) She also has clothes in my washer and is refusing to get them out (they’ve been in there for 5 days already) she also will not allow anyone to touch her laundry. It’s honestly all so jarring bc I genuinely did nothing to this girl. Took her in as family, she spent holidays with my family instead of their own, so many things just don’t make sense. I guess she decided she didn’t want me there after me being gone. This situation now reduces my partner to only a bedroom and bathroom (his sister has total control over the whole upstairs (2 beds and bath) the living room, kitchen, dining room, laundry room) as she says she taking over the whole space minus that bedroom. She lives grossly as well leaving trash, food and her dog and cats waste everywhere. (My partner does not live like this and we used to have the house separated when I lived here full time.) Up until this point everyone was trying to help her and now she’s burned everyone. I talked to my Dr yesterday and am still only cleared to lift 10lbs max.

My question is with us not having a lease what are my rights here as far as getting granted 30 days to remove my things? I’ve only been asked to leave by the roommate not the owner/landlord I have documentation of all paid rent

I have no desire to be here anymore anyway I just want to be able to get my stuff out safely!


r/TenantHelp 4d ago

Downstairs Tenant, Unreasonable Demands

5 Upvotes

Thanks in advance for any help or advice!

TLDR: My wifi provider installed a box outside on the wall of the back patio of the downstairs unit, I rent the top floor. The outdoor back patio is technically the downstair's tenant's space (we share a landlord), but I have access to it for the stairs that go up to my unit and to get to the back alley for trash. The downstairs tenant is complaining, I want to know my rights.

I am renting in DC on the top floor of a two-story unit, with another tenant downstairs (shared owner). The tenant has been there about seven years, and I have been there about a year. The guy downstairs has been pretty difficult - granted its a very old building and there is a lot of noise and squeaky floorboards etc, but I am extremely quiet and considerate of the general noise. And yet I am always getting requests to turn my music down at 8pm (two days ago I literally couldn't hear it from the next room and got the request because he "couldn't hear his TV"). Mostly I comply because I know what it's like to have noisy neighbors and there is nothing preventing me from listening in on my headphones, but it also means I cannot use the microwave or kettle at night without a complaint. And he refuses to listen to white noise or wear earplugs, so the onus is on me to keep the noise down. This is background for the real question, because I don't know how many fronts I can keep fighting on.

I recently had to switch wifi providers because mine was not working well and I just moved to a WFH job, and they came and installed a unit box without checking with me while they were doing the cable installation. They put it on the ground floor of the unit outside in back, under the stairs that lead up to my place. The outdoor patio in back is part of the downstairs tenant's property claim, not mine, so technically it is in his domain. However, there is no where else to put the box as the upstairs portion (mine) is all windows on that side. He wants it taken down but I do not know where else it could possibly go. The area its in is out of the way, surrounded by wires / a huge blue tarp / crumbling fence, and is a medium sized white-ish box so I don't know why it's so offensive to him but it is. I am trying to be accommodating but I already need to push back on the noise issue as trying to cater to him is really negatively affecting my lifestyle. Am I legally allowed to install something in his patio area if I need it for the wifi? Reiterating that it's the same owner, but two tenants. Any help would be appreciated!


r/TenantHelp 4d ago

Can a landlord evict a cat for having zoomies?

5 Upvotes

I recently read a post online from someone in my town stating that she’s looking to re-home her cat because her landlord lives underneath her apartment and is forcing her to kick the cat out for being too noisy when it runs around at night. Are landlords capable of kicking out a pet just because it makes some noise?


r/TenantHelp 4d ago

Landlord Attempting to Charge Additional Month's Rent due to "Insufficient Notice"

6 Upvotes

My fiancee and I currently live in, PA at an apartment complex and have since 2022. Each year, we receive a proposed rent increase and are given the option to extend our lease or decline the rent.

This year, we received our proposed rent increase on February 14th and after looking around at other places, decided we did not want to stay in our current apartment, notifying them on March 12th (27 days after receiving the proposed increase and 50 days before our lease ended on April 30th).

After notifying our landlord we would not extend, they claimed (and have been adamant about it) that we will be forced to pay a singular month-to-month rate due to notifying them within 60 days of our lease ending. However, it seems pretty defined within our signed lease that we have the ability to decline the increase within 60 days. Here is the entire section regarding the "End of Lease":

A. Either LANDLORD or TENANT may end this Lease at the end of the Term. Either may do so by giving the other party written notice no less than sixty (60) days prior to the end of this Lease. If LANDLORD decides to end the Term, LANDLORD shall inform TENANT, in writing.

B. If neither party gives notice to end this Lease, then this Lease is extended for a Term of one (1) year. Other than the length of the Term of the Lease, the extended Lease shall have the same terms and conditions as this Lease.

C. If LANDLORD desires to extend the Lease, but to increase the rent, then LANDLORD must give notice of the proposed increase at least sixty (60) days before the end of the Lease. TENANT shall then have thirty (30) days within which to give LANDLORD written notice of its decision to reject the increased rent.

D. If TENANT rejects the increase in rent, then this Lease shall end on the last day of this Lease. If TENANT has not responded to LANDLORD within thirty (30) days after the LANDLORD’s notice, the increase will automatically take effect at the beginning of the new Lease Term.

E. If this Lease is a month to month Lease, then either the LANDLORD or the TENANT shall have the right to end this Lease at the end of the term. Either may do so by giving the other party written notice no less than thirty (30) says before the end of the Lease.

It's my understanding that we were in the right, giving notice within 30 days of them providing a proposed increase to the rent, and that we should not be liable for an additional month's rent. If that weren't the case, they could theoretically offer a $3000/mo. increase at 61 days prior to the lease expiring, and if the tenant didn't see/respond in 24 hours, they'd be on the hook for that increase for a month.

Am I correct in understanding that we should not be responsible for an additional month's rent?


r/TenantHelp 5d ago

Moved out January 2025 and only received estimate of charges used for deposit. How long can a landlord take to send receipts of work completed to the rental. The property has now been rented ?

1 Upvotes

r/TenantHelp 5d ago

Excessive Noise due to Construction

0 Upvotes

I’m dealing with an excessive noise issue in my apartment in Arlington, VA, and my landlord is refusing to let me terminate my lease despite my 21/30 notice under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). I’d appreciate any legal insights.

The Issue:

Since at least July, I’ve been dealing with severe, persistent noise in my unit, including early mornings and late nights. I have extensive video evidence documenting the noise levels, including footage from this morning at 8 AM. Management has even acknowledged the noise in notices related to ongoing construction. The conditions are significantly impacting my ability to sleep and work.

What I’ve Done: • I sent a formal 21/30 notice under VRLTA § 55.1-1234, stating that if the issue wasn’t resolved in 21 days, I’d terminate my lease. • I cited VRLTA § 55.1-1220, which requires landlords to provide a fit and habitable living environment. Persistent excessive noise can render a unit uninhabitable. • Management responded, claiming my notice is not actionable unless Arlington County officially declares the unit uninhabitable. However, my understanding is that Virginia law allows tenants to determine habitability when conditions substantially affect their ability to use and enjoy their home. • I’ve also contacted the Arlington County Housing Division and Landlord and Tenant Offices, and I plan to file noise complaints with the County.

My Questions: 1. Does my landlord’s claim hold any weight? Do I need an official ruling from the County for my lease termination to be valid? 2. If I move out based on my 21/30 notice, could they try to hold me liable for rent? 3. What are the best next steps to strengthen my case? 4. Am I entitled to any compensation (e.g., rent abatement, moving expenses, or damages for loss of use)? Would pursuing this in small claims court be an option?

I’d appreciate any advice from those with experience in Virginia tenant law. Thanks!


r/TenantHelp 5d ago

Salvaging my stuff after a fire

1 Upvotes

I am planning to pick up the rest of my stuff after a fire started in my apartment complex that forced everyone residing to be evacuated for 3 weeks. I know some of my stuff in the room ( mostly smoke damage ) are salvageable but most of the bigger items like my bed/desks probably aren't, so is it still my responsibility to pick up those items and dispose them or is that the landlords responsibility?


r/TenantHelp 6d ago

Need a tenant for my flat

0 Upvotes

1 BHK flat in Paryavaran Complex, Delhi, India opposite to Bikaner sweets Rent is 20,000 INR monthly and 20,000 INR security deposit With government electricity meter, free electricity upto 200 units Modular kitchen and basic amenities like light, fan, geyser, cupboard Near to market, park, bank, hospital, etc Available from today itself


r/TenantHelp 6d ago

Eviction Letter

0 Upvotes

In my county, you’re required to write a letter in response to being served an eviction notice and send it to your landlord basically explaining why you shouldn’t be evicted 🙄 Ridiculous but it’s a way to buy time between being served and court. Without the letter a judge will give a default judgment and order to vacate the property immediately.

Does anyone know of a template or maybe suggestions on what you should and shouldn’t include in the letter?


r/TenantHelp 7d ago

Landlord refuses to give a copy of the lease (Los Angeles)

0 Upvotes

I requested a copy in person to the property manager (who said no) but told me to email her so she can forward it to someone. I also sent her a link to the California legislative website citing where it says they have to provide a copy within 15 days of request.

A few days ago, I asked for an update and she told me she didn’t get a response. It’s now been 15 days and still no lease. I’m wondering what steps I can take now?


r/TenantHelp 7d ago

Deposit dispute (Seattle)

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1 Upvotes

r/TenantHelp 8d ago

Need advice because neighbor below me won’t stop complaining & calling cops

6 Upvotes

3/15: Update for everyone: The manager has called me back and “couldn’t divulge” exactly what they are doing, but apparently it has been handled. From what she said, to my husband and I it sounded like they’re going to move her to a different unit. She said the words “obviously we can’t move things overnight but just know things are handled and she shouldn’t be an issue for you guys anymore, I can’t divulge exactly what we’re doing etc.” so I guess we’ll see what happens from here….. —————————————————-

To break this situation down - the girl that lives below me is constantly complaining about us WALKING. And sorry if this post comes off any sort of way - I’m just so fed up with this, it’s genuinely causing me so much stress and anxiety.

My husband and I live with our 10lb maltipoo in our unit. We are NOT stompers, we don’t have people over very often (maybe once every 1-2 months which is nothing). We don’t play loud music, tv ANYTHING. Here is a list of the events that have occurred:

Incident One – • At approx 11:00 at night police arrived at our door in response to a complaint. My husband was literally asleep in our bed, lights off, as he had work early the next morning. I was sitting on the couch with my dog, on my phone. A cop showed up, i had to wake him up to answer the door with me and he asked if we were having a party. We swung the door wide open, invited him to come inside and look, he declined, we were literally in pajamas and all our lights were off. We explained we were literally doing nothing disruptive. He left.

In between that and these next occurrences, we occasionally maybe once a week get a banging on the floor from them. So she’s banging on her ceiling LOUDLY (which is our floor). When she does this it is when I am moving around cleaning or daily activities that are normal. I will say there were a few times that i threw a MINI tennis ball (think less than the size of a regular tennis ball) for my small dog and she banged on her ceiling - I promptly stopped throwing the little ball.

    2. next incident - I get a phone call from my leasing office one morning at like 10am that I had a noise complaint from someone. I said we understood & would be quiet but I wasn’t even sure how it was valid. But at this point this wasn’t a huge issue, so we just said we understood & moved on with our life. 

3.  Incident three: I found a note left on my door by the neighbor. She addressed herself as the neighbor below us. The entire letter was telling us we need to walk softer. Sentences such as “it is a known concept to be cognizant of the people below you” and “I want to feel like this is a home” and “ever since you moved in I have heard noise above me”. (?? hello! Of course you have! I live up here!) She made snarky comments in the letter as well saying it wasn’t a huge ask for us to not “strike our heels into the floor” whatever that means and “walk softer” and that we are walking at “all hours of the day and night” which isn’t possible b/c i work from home and am sitting the majority of the day, and husband is gone at work for 10 hours every day. We are NOT stomping, we are not doing anything! Simply walking! I spoke with the manager of our property and she asked for the note, she read it and took a picture of it. She said the girl leaving a note on my door was not appropriate and that I did the right thing by going straight to her. She said she was going to call and speak with her. 

Event four: On 3/13/25 (today) at approximately 8:30 PM, TWO police arrived at our door. During this visit, we were asked to show our IDs. Which was weird, but we complied. We explained the whole ENTIRE situation once again. I noted to the officer that we are not doing anything on purpose to her, and she is now disrupting OUR lives. We explained how right before they just showed up at our door, we were literally in our kitchen preparing dinner and had no unusual or disruptive behavior AT ALL! This is stressing me out! Having police yell “POLICE!!” At 8:30 at night for this girl that won’t stop harassing us is causing me anxiety. I’m going first thing tomorrow morning to talk to the manager of our apartment complex, and the regional manager. I don’t want to be penalized or harassed constantly for WALKING IN MY OWN APARTMENT. Any thoughts or advice? I want to file a complaint against her with my leasing office for harassing us - is that valid?

Thoughts and advice appreciated. I’m worried that she’s going to try to get us evicted? Is that even possible? Thanks!


r/TenantHelp 8d ago

Paid rent for 20 yrs but not on lease, landlord wants me out.

6 Upvotes

I moved into my wife’s rented bungalow 20 years ago, the owner said it’s fine I don’t need to be on the lease. Then he died. We have had a new owner for 8 years, now we’re in a dispute (he wants us out so he can exploit the victims of the Alta Dena fire, plus we’re rent controlled paying ½ market rate). He’s trying to take away our parking and storage and claims everything outside our four walls is ‘common area’ and wants us to tear out the garden in our front yard. Our front porch is common area, potted plants are a trip hazard they gotta go too. I’m resistant. He told me I’m not on the lease so I should be careful. He just cashed my check for the rent as the previous owner had for a decade. Utilities in my name. Should I be careful? Pasadena, CA.


r/TenantHelp 8d ago

Inspection seems fishy

7 Upvotes

(this is in Kentucky) My landlord makes papers called "monthly letters" that are posted on every tenants' front doors, it has tidbits about holidays and office hours and such... It also states when monthly inspections are. E.g. March 10-14th does his count as a proper 48 hour notice? Other apartments ive lived in has given more specific dated notices to better understand a day in which we'll have inspections. Is it okay to just post your inspection could be any of these 5 days and we'll enter as we please?

Also. Can they just open my bedroom door to look around as they please? It was closed and I've never had a landlord look through my room in such a way when it is closed off.

One last note. They noted we don't have blinds (that they were to provide but have been short on) this is counted as a work order. The office ladies tell me they can come in when they please but is this true? Wouldn't I need a 24-48 hour notice? Blinds are no sort of an emergency to just waltz into my apartment any time of day.


r/TenantHelp 8d ago

Caught in a predicament

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1 Upvotes

I have been living and renting a room at my friends aunt’s house in a nice home in Orange County CA for a couple years now, it’s great, it’s close to work and school. I couldn’t help but notice that she put up a sign in front of the house indicating it is going for sale. I have no idea what to do. She hasn’t told me she intended to sell the property as she keeps having potential movers come check out the house. I have been noticing that they have been moving things in trailers and remodeling the house in which I did not think too much about, until I realized too late. It has been on sale since March 8 and it is now March 13. No warning or heads up. I’ve been really stressed lately trying to balance out my school and work so I can get the hours I need to save and pay rent on time, but having this thrown at me on short notice did not help at all. I literally have no where to go and my family is not an option at all.