Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Virginia

Feuding roommate threatens to affect next year's lease

I am in a shared housing situation with two other housemates. One of my housemates has been there for six years and has maintained all communications between the landlord and the present tenants (maintenance, etc.). This "older" housemate became disgruntled because I find it unneccessary to inform her in writing when I will leave/return from the house on overnight trips. This is a new "rule" she wanted to put into effect--one that was never discussed until now. She also stated that since she'd been there the longest that she had the right to instate these new "rules." During the course of our disagreement, she told me I should move, to which I responded that I was planning on remaining there due to financial constraints. She then told me that she would suggest to our landlord that he not offer another lease to me (we sign a new lease every year). What are my rights in this situation? I find this very petty, but since she has the long relationship with the landlord and I don't, I'm not sure he wouldn't refuse to offer me a new lease. I don't know what my legal rights (if any) are in this situation. I pay my rent on time, maintain the house, and haven't been a bad tenant in any respect. Help!


Asked on 4/21/00, 4:21 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bruce Marshall Durrette, Irvin & Bradshaw, P.L.C.

Re: Feuding roommate threatens to affect next year's lease

You have as the same rights as your roommate(s), to the extent your lease doesn't say otherwise. What you have is a political issue and the landlord has to weigh losing a good tenant against taking sides in a turf war. That is more of the issue at hand.

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Answered on 5/22/00, 12:56 pm


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