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.

Manassas is a town in northern Virginia located between Washington D.C. and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for Civil War history, Manassas originated in 1852 at the junction of two railroads which linked Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. with the Shenandoah Valley and Richmond. It features a wonderful museum system and charming historic district. Classical music, opera and theater are staged at the Hylton Performing Arts Center. Ben Lomond Historic Site features a Federal-style plantation house and a rose garden.

Manassas, Virginia – one of the largest areas in Prince William, Virginia – is home to a multitude of attractions, things to do and places to stay.  Manassas, Virginia is an unincorporated area within Prince William, Virginia.  Manassas, Virginia is home to multiple major attractions including Manassas Mall, Manassas National Battlefield Park, Ben Lomond Historic Site, Hylton Performing Arts Center, Splashdown Waterpark, Fun n’ Skate Zone, and so much more. As of the 2010 census, the population was 37,821.

Manassas is easily accessible from anywhere in the country.