Real Quick
- Pro bono attorneys say that they regularly hear stories about poor conditions in rental properties, but the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act leaves tenants with few options for holding their landlords accountable.
- Advocates say that renters in Virginia have two options when conditions are bad: they can move, or they can sue for damages, both of which aren’t practical for people with low incomes.
- At Park’s Edge in Albemarle County, one tenant faced eviction but against all odds successfully countersued her landlord over a breach of contract in 2025. She had an attorney willing to take her case without fees, extensive records detailing her attempts to get the problems solved and expert testimony about a mold test.
Take action
If you’re a tenant in need of legal advice and can’t afford a lawyer, you may be eligible to receive legal aid. These programs offer free legal advice about eviction and other housing issues, and their attorneys go to court with tenants to fight their cases. Central Virginia residents have two options:
Legal Aid Justice Center Charlottesville Office: Serves City of Charlottesville and counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa and Nelson…