Let’s talk about some recent changes to Virginia law that affect lease provisions.

House bill 352 and SB 213 amend the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) by altering the language it contains regarding early termination of leases by military personnel. These changes resolved conflicts between Virginia and federal law, and because the bills contain an emergency clause, they became law as soon as the governor signed them.

The new bills state that a member of the U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard, may terminate a rental agreement upon receiving either permanent change of station orders or temporary duty orders lasting longer than three months. Previously, the new duty assignment had to be at least 35 miles from the servicemember’s rental unit, but this distance requirement has been removed.

HB 352 and SB 213 add an additional justification for a servicemember breaking their lease early. A servicemember may now terminate a rental agreement if they receive a stop movement order in response to an emergency that is effective for either an indefinite period or a defined period lasting at least 30 days. The emergency must also prevent the servicemember from living in their rental unit.

Communication is always key between the tenant, landlord and or property manager to create a win-win situation for all parties.  Mo Wilson is a retired USMC who fought in Vietnam so we are very aware of our service members and how they are called for duty in an ever changing world.

Clarendon is an urbanized, upper-class neighborhood in Arlington County, Virginia, located between the Rosslyn and Ballston areas. You will find shoppers browsing at Market Common Clarendon and other local favorites, families enjoying a weekend brunch on the patio, and visitors exploring Clarendon’s dining and entertainment. You can also find restaurants here that serve tapas, Balkan cuisine or classic American, plus rooftop and sidewalk dining in warmer months. Clarendon is especially known for lively nightlife, a perfect location for a great date night at any age, and a center of activity for the younger crowd. If you’re looking for fun in the evenings, you’ll always find it in Clarendon. It’s easy to be drawn to Clarendon, a neighborhood that defines urban chill.