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Commission (TLC)
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• Request a Tenant-
Landlord Presentation
• Tenant-Landlord Laws
• What Tenants and
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Know
• Consumer Focus
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The Informed
Tenant and Landlord
Consumer Affairs Branch Newsletter
Fairfax County Department of Cable and Consumer Services
2021 Edition
Fairfax County is a great place to live, work, explore, and entertain. With public
schools consistently rated among the best school systems in the nation, one of the
largest library systems in the state, 24,000 acres of parkland, and a thriving business
community, there is something for everyone.
Fairfax County offers a broad variety of housing for rent. You can chose from single
family homes, townhouses, condominiums, apartment communities in suburban
settings, and high-rise apartments with an urban look and feel.
The 2019 Fairfax County Rental Housing Complex Analysis data indicate the total
number or rental complex apartments and townhouses in Fairfax County was 81,501
in January 2019. However, the total inventory of available rental units is much
greater because this number does not include units leased by individual owners
directly to tenants.
Why Rent?
Maintenance free living is at the top of the list for
reasons why people choose to rent. Following are some
other reasons:
• Flexibility to move or relocate
• No upkeep fees for repairs and maintenance
• Live in neighborhoods where purchasing a home is
not affordable
• Amenities such as a fitness center, swimming pool,
tennis court, club house, parking, playgrounds,
Renting in Fairfax County
Inside This Issue:
Renting in Fairfax
County
1
Rental Programs 1
Lease Agreements 2
Security Deposits 2
Open Communication 2
Maintenance and
Repair
3
Bed Bugs 4
Eviction 5
General District Court 5
Fire Prevention Tips 6
Fair Housing 6
Navigating COVID-19 7
Rental Housing Programs in Fairfax County
Fairfax County offers the following rental housing programs:
Rental Assistance Demonstration Assistance Project-Based Voucher Program (RAD)
Fairfax County Rental Program (FCRP)
Housing Choice Voucher Program
Senior Housing and Assisted Living Communities
Privately-Owned Affordable Rental Housing Options
Magnet Housing
Accessible Housing
Contact each program for details and to find out about criteria and eligibility
requirements to apply
Page 2
Tenant-Landlord Laws
The Virginia Residential
Landlord and Tenant Act
(VRLTA)
The Fairfax County Code
Virginia Maintenance Code
Zoning Ordinance and Safety
Rules
Protecting Tenants at
Foreclosure Act (PTFA)
Need Legal Advice?
Legal Services of
Northern Virginia
703-778-6800
866-534-5243
Fairfax Lawyer Referral &
Information Service
703-246-3780
4
Virginia Lawyer Referral
Service
800 -552-7977
Save Money by
Saving Energy
Whether you’re renting an
apartment, townhouse,
condominium or single
family home, you can
save money.
Energy Saving Tips
for Renters
Coordinated Services
Planning
Your connection to
services that help with
basic needs such as
housing, food, clothing,
and more.
Residential Lease Agreements
Security Deposits
Open Communication
Tenants and landlords should understand lease agreements, laws, security
deposits requirements, and the importance of keeping open communication
during good as well as difficult times during the rental relationship.
The foundation of a good, solid rental relationship starts with the lease
agreement. Not only does a lease agreement specify the period of time a landlord
will allow a tenant to use a dwelling unit in return for payment of a set rent
amount, but it also outlines the terms and conditions that apply throughout the
rental. The tenant and landlord should agree with all of the terms before the
landlord accepts rent money, and the tenant takes possession of the dwelling.
Tenants and landlords need to be sure they understand and agree with all of the
provisions of a lease and make a commitment to follow the agreement. Landlords
need to provide and tenants need to sign the Virginia Statement of Tenant Rights
and Responsibilities required by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
A security deposit is money required by the landlord to cover the cost of damages
caused by the tenant or charges owed due to a breach of the lease agreement.
When a landlord accepts a security deposit from a tenant, they must follow
applicable laws and tenants must follow guidelines to protect the return of their
security deposit. To avoid disagreements, tenants and landlords should have a
signed move-in inspection report which outlines the condition of the dwelling
when the tenant moved in. The security deposit is the tenant’s money throughout
the tenancy. If the tenant does not owe any rent, and leaves the unit in generally
the same condition as when they moved in, less reasonable wear and tear, the
landlord should refund the deposit. If there are deductions, the landlord should
provide a written notice to the tenant with an itemized statement of damages and
charges deducted from the deposit as required by § 55.1-1226 of the Virginia
Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Be responsive - As a landlord, it is important to respond to all communication
from tenants in a timely manner. Check in with your tenants periodically and
make sure they know how to contact you for routine maintenance, repairs as well
as for emergencies.
Be responsible - Tenants should treat their dwelling as if they owned the home.
This means regular cleaning and immediate reporting of any maintenance or
repairs needs. If something is damaged, correct it right away. Small problems left
unattended can create costly or expensive repairs later.
Understand the Laws - Laws were established for the safety and welfare of
tenants and landlords. Everyone has the right to a clean and sanitary rental
property with working appliances and plumbing, electrical, and other systems in
good working order. Landlords have the right to expect that a tenant will keep the
residence in good condition.
Have Insurance - When the unexpected happens, both tenants and landlords need
insurance. Read the Renters Insurance Consumer Guide to be sure you have the
coverage you need in the event of loss, theft or damage to personal property.
Save Money by
Saving Energy
Whether you’re renting an
apartment, townhouse,
condominium or single
family home, you can
save money
Energy Saving Tips
for Renters
Coordinated Services
Planning
Your connection to
services that help with
basic needs such as
housing, food, clothing,
and other essential needs
(703) 222-0880
Page 3
Consumer Affairs Branch
12000 Government
Center Parkway
Suite 433
Fairfax, VA 22035
703-222-8435 TTY:
711
Fax: 703-653-1310
consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov
Ask a Consumer
Specialist
Specialists are available
Monday through Friday
from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
for walk-in and call-in
assistance.
Call:
703-222-8435 TTY: 711
consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov
If you have a problem in your rental unit, contact the landlord or community manager first.
Follow up in writing and keep a copy of your written communication. If you do not get the help
you need, contact the county agency below that is responsible for addressing your issue, or use the
online Community Complaint Form. If you are not sure who to contact, call Consumer Affairs.
Who to Call for Maintenance and Repairs?
In the Spotlight:
Channel 16
Consumer Focus
with Live Video Streaming
or anytime with Video on
Demand
File A Complaint
If you have a problem that
you are unable to resolve
after first contacting your
landlord, you may file a
written complaint for
voluntary mediation with
Consumer Affairs online,
or call and a complaint
form will be mailed to you.
Search Complaint History
Research complaint
history of a landlord before
you rent.
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer/csd/tenant-landlord 703-222-8435 TTY 711
• Information about the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords
• Guidance when you have a dispute or problem regarding a residential lease agreement
• Voluntary mediation or arbitration
• Education, outreach, and publications about tenant-landlord matters and issues
• Tenant-Landlord Commission
Fairfax County Department of Code Compliance
Fairfax County Health Department
Fairfax County Consumer Affairs
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/environment 703-246-2201 TTY 711
• Information on prevention and control of roach, rat, mouse or other infestation that
causes illness
• Tick identification
• Tick and mosquitoes surveillance and public education
• Information on prevention and control of bed bugs
• Information on mold, radon, and lead paint
• Inspection and permitting of public and community swimming pools
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/code 703-324-1300 TTY 711
• No heat from October 15 - May 1, or air conditioning from May 15 - October 1
• No utilities
• Electrical system hazards
• Plumbing problems and hazards, such as leaking water or flooding
• Sewage backup inside the apartment
• Broken doors or windows
• Cracks or holes in exterior walls
• Structural damage caused by rat, mouse or insect infestation
• Noise complaints regarding animals, construction activity, and equipment
• Overcrowding
• Deteriorated stairways, walkways, steps, entrance ways, or breezeways
• Unpermitted construction or demolition
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/publicworks/recycling-and-trash 703-324-5230 TTY 711
• Overflowing trash and garbage outside the dwelling
• Missed trash and recycle pick-ups, mixing of trash and recycle set-outs for private
haulers
• Bulk items, brush or yard debris left within 10 feet of the curb line more than 10 days
• Trash and recycle collections made during prohibited hours of 9 p.m. - 6 a.m.
• Complaints regarding trash bags set out more than 12 hours in advance of collection
Public Works and Environmental Services
Page 4
Bed Bugs: They’re Here!
Made famous by the phrase, “sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite”, bed bugs are back in
action. Although they aren’t at the top of the list of unwanted bugs that invade our living
areas, they continue to rise in notoriety. The first line of defense against bed bugs is to be
aware of what they are, and how you can avoid letting them into your home.
To get the message out, The Fairfax County Tenant-Landlord Commission, in partnership
with the Department of Cable and Consumer Services, and the Fairfax County Health Department, offer a fact
filled informational Consumer Focus program on Channel 16 about Bed Bugs. You can watch Consumer
Focus on your computer or anytime with Video on Demand. To take the bite out of bed bugs, here are some
tips:
ASK QUESTIONS
If you suspect bed bugs or have bed bugs, notify your landlord or property management company if you live in
a rental property or contact a pest control professional for your home. Follow all instructions and requirements
for treatment and don’t let up until the infestation is eliminated.
DON’T TRY HOME REMEIDES
Store brought sprays or oils advertised on the Internet or available in retail stores may actually cause bed bugs
to spread or create a hazardous situation. Hire a licensed, qualified pest control professional. Contact the
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services at 804-786-3798 for
licensing and certification requirements for pest control professionals.
DON’T PASS ON AN INFESATATION
Never place infested items in hallways or other common areas where you live. If you need to throw something
away, mark it up or put a label on it that says “BED BUGS” so it won’t be tempting for someone to take.
DON’T MOVE
If your apartment or rental home is being treated for bed bugs, don’t move until the treatment is completed. If
you move, you might spread bed bugs and start the infestation cycle all over again.
TALK ABOUT IT
Find out as much as you can about bed bugs. Make sure everyone in your home is aware of bed bugs so they
know how to avoid and prevent them from moving into your home. Everything you need to know about bed
bugs is available from the Fairfax County Health Department at 703-246-2201.
LEARN MORE
Fact sheets, videos and workshop presentations are available in both English and Spanish from the Virginia
Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Office of Pesticide Services’ bed bug outreach and
education program at www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pesticide-bedbug-fact-sheets.shtml
BE ALERT
Make sure you know what might be sleeping in your mattress. From time to time, check all sleeping areas for
signs of bed bugs. Avoid renting furniture and carefully inspect all used furniture before bringing it into your
home. When traveling and after traveling, inspect all of your belongings to make sure bed bugs don’t hitch a
ride home with you.
By being alert, proactive, and knowing when to get professional pest management services,
we can all be part of the solution, not the problem in dealing with
the little bugs that create a big problem
Page 5
Practice Fire Prevention Every Day of the Year
Fire Safety Tips
According to the National Fire Protection Association:
• Every 88 seconds, a fire department in the United States responds to a home fire somewhere in
the nation.
• Fire is fast, you may have less than three minutes to escape, get out!
• Smoke is deadly, it kills more people than flames.
• Cooking is the number one cause of home fires and injuries, followed by heating equipment.
• Stay in the kitchen when you are frying, grilling, broiling, or boiling food. If you have to leave,
turn the burner off.
• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from fireplaces, wood stoves, portable heaters, and radiators.
• When you leave a room or go to bed, turn heaters off or unplug them.
• Smoking is the leading cause of home fire deaths. Smokers should put cigarettes all the way out, all the time, and
never smoke in bed or if drowsy.
• Be fire smart with electricity. If an electrical cord is frayed or broken, don’t use it.
• Smoke alarms save lives. You should have a smoke alarm inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• § 55.1-1220 of the VRLTA requires landlords to provide a certificate to tenants stating that all smoke alarms
present have been inspected, and are in good working order no more than once every 12 months.
• Fairfax County residents can get FREE battery-powered smoke alarms by contacting their local Fairfax County Fire
and Rescue Department station, email fire.smokealarms@fairfaxcounty.gov, or call 703-246-3801, TTY 711.
• Have an escape plan in place and know how to call 9-1-1 to report a fire. The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
Department provides instructions for putting a home escape plan in place.
• The Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is committed to providing emergency and non-emergency services
to protect the lives, property, and environment of our community. Fire and rescue-related educational topics are
provided to help protect us from fire and injuries in our homes. You are encouraged to stop by any fire and rescue
station, or call Public Affairs and Life Safety Education at 703-246-3801, TTY 711.
Understanding your rights under fair housing laws, and knowing how to conduct business and manage properties
in a non-discriminatory manner is essential to keeping Fairfax communities and neighborhoods a place where
everyone wants to live.
In Fairfax County, it is unlawful to discriminate in the rental of housing because of Race, Color,
National Origin, Sex, Marital Status, Religion, Elderliness, Disability, or Familial Status
The Human Rights Division of the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs can assist if
you feel you have been treated unfairly in housing, or if you need more information about housing or related
services for your business, organization, homeowners’ or condominium association located in Fairfax County.
If you would like to have a representative from the Human Rights Division present a seminar about Fair
Housing laws, contact Margaret Squires, Fair Housing Coordinator at 703-324-2953 or email
Fair Housing is Everyone’s Right
• An eviction is the legal court process a landlord must follow to terminate a tenant’s lease and regain
possession of a rental property.
• This process requires a landlord to file a lawsuit, called an unlawful detainer. To win, the landlord must
prove the tenant did something that justifies ending the tenancy. A court judgment is required to direct
the tenant to leave the property, pay rent, damages, or costs ordered by the court.
• It is in the best interest of both the tenant and landlord to come to an agreement to avoid the cost,
inconvenience, and time involved in the court process.
• An eviction can jeopardize a tenant’s ability to secure future housing and will impact their rental history,
future rental references, and credit history.
• Evictions require a court hearing and an order signed by a judge of the Fairfax County General District
Court.
• The steps a landlord must take in the eviction process are available from the Fairfax County Sheriff‘s
Office.
• The Summons for Unlawful Detainer form is available at http://www.courts.state.va.us.
• Landlords should consult with an attorney for more information about their legal rights and obligations.
Page 6
What is an Eviction?
When a tenant fails or refuses to correct a breach of
the lease agreement, a landlord may initiate court
action to regain possession of the premises, unpaid
rent, and damages resulting from the breach of the
lease.
The most common grounds for eviction are:
• Nonpayment of rent
• Breach of the lease, such as unauthorized pets,
noise, excessive damage, or alterations to the
premises without the landlord’s permission.
• Illegal activity by the tenant, authorized occupants,
or the tenant’s guests.
• Too many occupants or overcrowding.
• Holding over after the lease term has ended.
• Abandonment of the premises.
Tenant-Landlord cases are usually scheduled for hearings on Fridays at 9:30 a.m. in the Civil Division of the
Fairfax County General District Court. It is very important that landlords comply with the law when filing an
unlawful detainer action. Information about court is available at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/
generaldistrict/civil/procedures/filing-civil-action or call 703-246-3012.
For information about your specific circumstances, consult with an attorney for guidance.
Reasons for Eviction
Tenant Rights
A landlord cannot remove a tenant or their personal
belongings, lock-out a tenant without a court order,
or force an eviction by deliberately cutting off
essential services like hot and cold running water or
utilities.
If a landlord attempts to carry out an eviction
without a court order, a tenant should:
• Call the Fairfax County Police non-emergency
number at 703-691-2131.
• If the landlord attempts an eviction without a court
order on week days between 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.,
call Consumer Affairs at 703-222-8435.
• A tenant may file for injunctive relief in the
Fairfax County General District Court to stop the
eviction and sue for damages.
Fairfax County General District Court
National Eviction Moratorium
Effective September 4, 2020, a temporary national moratorium on most evictions for nonpayment of rent to
help prevent the further spread of the coronavirus was issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC). To be protected by the eviction moratorium, a tenant must meet specific qualifications and submit a
signed declaration form to their landlord. To find out if you qualify for eviction protection under the CDC
order, review guidance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. If you qualify, sign the declaration and
give the declaration to your landlord and keep a copy for your records. This moratorium ends June 30, 2021.
Eviction Prevention Information
Tenants needing financial assistance for rent, or landlords needing assistance for mortgage payments, or rent
assistance on behalf of tenants, should visit the Landlord Portal for eligibility and instructions. These resources
are designed to support and ensure housing stability during the pandemic. Fairfax County residents should call
Coordinated Services Planning at 703-222-0880, for information about other programs or services you may be
eligible for due to hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Page 7
Navigating COVID-19
There is no moratorium on payment of rent because
of COVID-19 illness or financial hardship. A
tenant’s responsibility to pay rent continues even
while in isolation, quarantine, or at a medical facility.
Tenants should be proactive in communicating to
their landlord challenges that impact their ability to
pay rent. While the current moratorium provides
protection from eviction, tenants must pay rent, fees,
or penalties that accumulate during the moratorium.
A landlord can consider a payment plan, but it is not
required. Guidance and tools for landlords are
provided by the Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD).
Fairfax County Consumer Affairs Branch
703-222-8435, TTY 711
www.fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer/csd/tenant-landlord
Payment of Rent
Repairs and Maintenance
During COVID-19, landlords remain responsible for
maintaining all common and shared spaces, and
tenants remain responsible for maintaining their
dwelling. While it is important for a landlord to keep
the property in habitable condition and perform
necessary repairs, it is also important to let tenants
know how repairs and maintenance requests will be
prioritized or delayed due to COVID-19. Landlords
should clearly communicate with tenants about how
repair and maintenance requests will be handled and
follow health and safety protocols established by the
Center for Disease Control. Open communication is
essential during this public health crisis.
Need More Information
