They reminded me that they have 45 days to wrap things up (there are 5 days left now) and mentioned they’re "looking into the legalities" of giving me the deposits.

@Laurieann Frazier-Duarte retning out rooms is not legal in all municipalities. 

If you are focused on technical legal liability over something this small I think you are only hurting yourself. 

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

A few other great advantages to section 8 outside of knowing that rent gets wired directly to your account on the monthly like clockwork or in the case of Neighborhood Legal Services a check lands in your mailbox monthly like clockwork, is that section 8 is Covid proof.

@Kim Lisa Taylor is being modest when she says “read some books on how to raise capital legally for real estate”.  

Text and verbal agreements are legally binding in Virginia (where the rental is).I really believe she initially intended it to be a year long renewal, as she also remarked she was very happy, as it is only a block walk for her daughter to school.She now has a boyfriend (he hasn’t moved in), and a house they want to move into together, so she is giving notice.

If you can get 10 or 20 landlords to kick in $100, you can have a lawyer review the docs and laws and regardless of the review, send a letter threatening legal action. 

By using the proper insurance and the right legal entity you can eliminate or minimize any threat by lawsuit to seize equity in a property.

For a complete understanding, it is recommended to review the full text of Assembly Bill 1771 and consult with legal and tax professionals.