Legal Question in Landlord & Tenant Law in Virginia

Grounds for Eviction?

I have been having a problem with a neighbor that also rents from a common landlord. This neighbor has children whom have vandalised my vehicles, stolen property, and has verbaly harassed my children and myself with profanity, also has physically harassed my daughter at the school bus stop. I have tried to talk with the parents and they as well as their children have verbally assualted me and my children on a daily basis with profanity. I have begun videotaping my home as well as the bus stop on a daily basis. I have talked with my landlord about this on various occasions. I have told him that I now am videotaping the premises as well as the bus stop which is in front of my residence. My landlord has threatened me with eviction if I continue to record the premises because the neighbor has told him that they will move out if I continue. I am trying to protect my two daughters from these older boys as well as my property. Can I be evicted for videotaping my premises as well as the childrens bus stop? This taping procedure is in plain view and all parties know of the taping. What are my rights to property and safety?


Asked on 3/18/04, 8:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Grounds for Eviction?

I would seriously doubt that the kind of public videotaping which you've described would be a basis for the landlord to find you in violation

of any provision of your lease (VRLTA or not)such

that you could be subject to eviction proceedings.

The fact that the neighbor has allegedly told the landlord that she will move if you're allowed to continue with the videotaping in my view should not be a legally sufficient reason for the landlord to conclude that you've violated your lease agreement. However, having not had the opportunity to review your lease, I offer this opinion only, provisionally, acknowledging that

it might be somewhat less than correct.

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Answered on 3/19/04, 9:51 am


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