The Commonwealth of Virginia has passed HB 720 sponsored by G. Glenn Oder to address landlord and tenant with a definition of application fee, etc. and manner of serving notice to tenants.
This new law adds, among other things, a definition of "application fee." Application fees are now capped at the fee at $50, and provides that such fee is nonrefundable. The bill also defines "written notice" as notice, including any representation of words, letters, symbols, numbers, or figures, whether (i) printed in or inscribed on a tangible medium or (ii) stored in an electronic form or other medium, retrievable in a perceivable form, and regardless of whether an electronic signature is affixed. In other words, landlords and tenants can now give legal notice via email, Facebook or other electronic media, even without an electronic signature.
In cases where a tenant pays rent with a bad check, the bill also allows a landlord to seek an award of costs or attorney fees or the lesser of $250 or three times the amount of the bad check, draft or order as part of the damages requested on an unlawful detainer action, provided the landlord has given notice. The bill allows such notice to be included in the five-day termination notice at the option of the landlord. The bill contains specific provisions if the dwelling unit is a public housing unit or other housing unit subject to regulation by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Stay Within Your Budget
The first step for any renter is to establish a realistic budget. Without a budget you will not be able to make an informed decision about the type of property in {Location_Name} that you are able to afford, and you may eventually find yourself struggling to pay your rent.
When drawing up a budget you need to consider your fixed costs. These are payments that must be made monthly and they cannot be altered. You need to subtract your fixed costs from your monthly income. These could include car insurance, travel costs, school fees, and debt repayments. Then, you should also subtract your living expenses such as food, entertainment, and medical bills. Once you have subtracted all these costs, you will be able to determine the amount that you have available to spend on rent per month. It is important to be realistic when you draw up your monthly expenses; and it is a good idea to include an additional amount to be set aside for emergencies, savings, and unexpected expenses. Once you have a clear idea of your rental budget, you may then start looking for a property that suits both your lifestyle requirements and is within your budget. This is a good time to contact a Rental Agent. Rental Agents have access to all the available rentals. They can ensure that you get good value for money; and best of all, they cost the renter nothing.
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