Eviction Lawyer in Alexandria, VA
A trusted Alexandria, VA eviction lawyer knows how to help you if you are facing eviction from your apartment or rented home. Disputes between tenants and landlords are common, but if you believe that your landlord sent you an eviction notice that is unjust and violated your rights then you have a right to speak to a lawyer. Learn about your rights as a tenant so that you can combat your case. A skilled and reliable lawyer will aggressively fight to defend you.
Eviction Lawyer in Alexandria, VA
Mughal Law Firm’s team of attorneys has provided excellent customer service to their clients since 2013. We are a highly experienced legal team that has experience handling a wide range of cases in various practice areas, including civil lawsuits. When you choose our specialized services, you can expect to receive the best legal support and guidance so you can navigate your situation successfully. If you want a top, qualified attorney to provide you with legal assistance, then contact us today to schedule a case evaluation.
Evaluating Eviction Disputes
A dispute between landlords and tenants can occur for many different reasons, which often include failure to pay rent, security deposit disputes, property damage, and illegal activities. However, there are incidents where landlords unlawfully send eviction notices or fail to abide by the steps established in the eviction process. Sometimes they do not give tenants the proper amount of time to pack their belongings and move out.
Landlords must follow the law and fulfill the required steps to lawfully evict a tenant. An eviction lawyer who helps clients in the Alexandria, Virginia area will carefully review the language within the contract agreement that you signed and compare it to state law. They will assess if the landlord committed unlawful actions. If you suspect that your rights have been violated, then it is recommended that you reach out to a lawyer who can evaluate your case. They will determine if the landlord overstepped their boundaries.
What To Do If You Receive an Eviction Notice
If you receive an eviction notice from your landlord, know the steps that you should take to challenge the notice. Once you receive a notice, you must not ignore it or delay your response. You have only a few days to respond to the eviction notice. Approach your landlord to obtain the reason they are evicting you and see if you can negotiate to stop your eviction. If that does not work, talk to a lawyer about your situation and they can tell you if you have a valid case. They can explain to you the available legal options you can take.
Eviction Defenses Tenants Can Use
There are certain guidelines that landlords must follow in order to evict their tenants and failure to follow these procedures can result in either a delayed or dismissed eviction. Some common defenses include:
Using a “Self-Help” Eviction
Landlords are required to receive a court order to evict their tenants. Evicting their tenants using any other method is known as a “self-help” eviction. Some of these methods may include shutting off crucial utilities such as heating or electricity or preventing access to the property. These methods are illegal and the landlord can face severe consequences including being held liable for any damages incurred as well as the tenant’s legal fees.
Not Following Proper Procedures
To terminate a tenancy the landlord is responsible for following strict procedures that abide by both state and federal laws. When the landlord makes a mistake the court must dismiss the case which results in the landlord having to restart the process all over again. Some procedural mistakes may include:
- Failure to provide an adequate timeline to resolve the issue.
- Improperly serving a notice to quit for the tenant.
- Any errors found in court filings.
Attempting to Evict a Tenant with a Victim Status
In some circumstances, a landlord is unable to evict a tenant who is a victim of family abuse whose definition is determined by Virginia Code Annotated section 16.1-228.
Tenant Already Resolved the Issue
If the tenant has already resolved the issue within the allotted time frame–such as paying unpaid rent–the landlord can’t evict the tenant. To ensure this isn’t an issue, tenants should ask for a dated receipt of their payment or take photos or document them resolving the issue.
Eviction Due to Retaliation
A landlord attempting to evict a tenant for complaining to the landlord or a governmental organization when it comes to health or safety violations is illegal. Other illegal reasons for eviction due to retaliation includes organizing or joining a tenant’s association or testifying in court against the landlord. A lawyer can help determine and prove that your landlord filed evict suit due to retaliation. Not only will the case be dismissed, but you might even be awarded money as well as payment for attorney fees.
The Landlord Didn’t Fulfill their Duties
Landlords have certain duties they must fulfill such as making sure the residence is up to code and maintenance when it comes to health and safety. Tenants who withhold rent when a landlord breaches the lease or broke the law are within their legal rights.
Eviction Based Upon Discrimination
Rent housing discrimination is illegal according to both state and federal law. The federal Fair Housing Act clearly outlines that it’s illegal to discriminate against tenants based upon factors such as race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, and familial status (such as being pregnant). Additionally, the Virginia Fair Housing Law also prevents any discrimination that’s the result of race or elderliness.
Contact a Lawyer Now
There is a way to fight an unfair eviction notice. A lawyer will help you with your case and determine what legal actions are necessary. They can see if negotiation or litigation is the best way to achieve a fair outcome. Schedule a consultation at Mughal Law Firm with an eviction lawyer trusted by Alexandria, VA residents to learn more about how you can protect your rights as a tenant.
