Tenant-Landlord laws in Virginia

[Brendan Merrill]

This is a long story so I will try to make it as quick and simple as I can. 

So back in 2019 I moved into a 2 bd house in Alexandria VA, that I was renting. I had 3 dogs and paid a 1300 non refundable deposit towards damages they may have done as well as a 1500 security deposit

October 15 2021 we move out and bought out first house in southern CA, the property manager told us to clear the house and let her know when we left. 

November 24th  I receive an email with pictures of damage done as well as an invoice to cover the damage. The total damage after keeping the security deposit and using the pet deposit was $4984. Before I paid she said that once she receives payment I will be released from all liability on the house, so I agreed and paid the full amount to get it out of my hair and I didn’t have to stress about it anymore. 

February 1st 2022 I receive and email from her stating that she inspected the property a little more throughly and found more damage she had missed the first time and billed me another $3600. I haven't responded to this email yet but I want to make sure before I do anything that could get me in trouble. But I'm thinking that since she already told me I'm released from liability and she waited over 3 months from when I moved out to tell me about this that I do not have to pay the $3600. I tried looking up landlord tenant laws in VA but I haven't had great luck finding anything to help me.

Thanks!

[Patti Robertson]

@Nathan Gesner is right.  We have to provide deposit dispensation within 45 days in Virginia.   If necessary for contractor delays, we can notify the tenant of a necessary extension, but that would have to have been provided to you within the 45 days.  Was the pet fee you paid up front a deposit or a fee?  I'm thinking maybe it was a fee, which means it won't get applied towards damages.  How much damage did they do?  Did all the flooring have to be replaced?  Even if it did, you should have only been charged for the remaining life span.  VRLTA - Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act