HB2135: Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; early termination of rental agreement.

Legislative Summary

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; early termination of rental agreement; victims of sexual abuse or criminal sexual assault. Provides that a tenant who is a victim of sexual abuse or other criminal sexual assault may terminate such tenant's obligations under a rental agreement if the tenant (i) has obtained a protective order and has given proper written notice of termination during the period of the protective order or any extension thereof or (ii) as evidence of such abuse or criminal sexual assault, has obtained (a) records or files from a federal or state agency, law-enforcement agency, or court; (b) documentation from a domestic violence or sexual assault program; or (c) documentation from a religious, medical, or other professional and has given written notice of termination. Under current law, there must be a conviction before the tenant may terminate such obligations under a rental agreement.