VA slumlord problem issue with landlord

[Account Closed]

Hi I have a slumlord in the state of VA and I refused to pay him rent on April 6th. they considered it a dwelling unit and can qualify for opting out of VRLTA VA 225-55.01 if they expressively write it in the lease. I reviewed the lease and the first part states they will take immediate legal action for failure to pay rent. Then it has an owner statement that the rights given to the owner by the agreement are cumulative in addition to VA laws current or future any statement or promise won't be binding unless if it is in writing.

one other part is default stating any violation will give the right to evict the tenant and take possession of the residence(same process as VA law)

they stated they will take legal action, did claim rights on this agreement are cumulative to the law however

VA 225-55.01 does state you can opt out however and you have to expressively opt out of VRLTA

Im not starting off the lease by stating to take legal action if rent is not paid and stating the rights of this agreement are cumulative in addition to the law.

it is contradicting by saying any breach or violation of the contract in the default section will give her the right to terminate the contract evict and regain possession(does not specify any time frame)

To me this is not clearly expressively opting out of VRLTA because she still has those rights under that act by following the VRLTA process. To me it's not clear enough but I would like your professional opinion

[Theresa Harris]

I'm not clear what the question is.  You are a tenant and are refusing to pay rent.  Why?  It sounds like you are at the start of your lease, why did you rent the place if there were problems?