Fairfax County consumer specialist outlines renters’ rights and launches tenant‑landlord outreach

Christine Rei, consumer specialist with Fairfax County Consumer Affairs, outlined tenants’ and landlords’ rights and responsibilities and announced a new county tenant‑landlord education and outreach initiative during the Consumer Connection program.

"The rental process usually follows three major steps," Rei said, describing the stages as the rental application, a written lease under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), and a move‑in inspection to document the condition of the unit. She urged renters to read lease terms carefully and to obtain a signed copy.

Rei said rental applications commonly request contact information, employment and income details, rental history and permission to run credit or background checks, and noted that Virginia law allows a nonrefundable application fee of up to $50. She emphasized that landlords must apply their eligibility criteria consistently and comply with fair housing laws.

On leases, Rei advised that a solid agreement should spell out the lease duration, monthly rent, security deposit and permitted fees (for example, late or pet fees), occupancy limits and who pays utilities. "A good lease should include the length of tenancy, monthly rent amount, security deposit and any other fees," she said.

Rei described move‑in inspections as a key protection: tenants and landlords should document preexisting damage with photos or video and sign the inspection form so disputes over damages are easier to resolve when the tenancy ends. She also noted that landlords must provide the written Virginia statement of tenants’ rights and responsibilities with every lease or renewal and that tenants should sign an acknowledgement of receipt.

On security deposits, Rei said state law caps a deposit at no more than two months’ rent and requires landlords to return the deposit within 45 days after move‑out, minus any itemized deductions for legitimate damages. She recommended tenants keep photos and payment records to support disputes.

Rei summarized the eviction process in Virginia: a landlord typically serves a notice (for example, a five‑day "pay or quit" for nonpayment or a 30‑day notice to vacate for other violations), may file an unlawful detainer if the issue is not resolved, and, after a court ruling, the landlord can obtain a writ of possession; tenants generally have about 10 days to appeal and receive at least 72 hours’ notice before a sheriff‑conducted lockout. She advised tenants facing eviction to seek legal help early.

For local assistance, Rei pointed viewers to Fairfax County Department of Code Compliance (which enforces building and maintenance codes), the Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs (which handles fair housing and civil‑rights complaints), and Fairfax County Consumer Affairs (which offers advice, mediation, arbitration and outreach). Consumer Affairs’ hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; the office’s phone is 703‑222‑8435, email consumer@fairfaxcounty.gov and online at fairfaxcounty.gov/cableconsumer.

Rei said the county will launch a tenant‑landlord education and outreach initiative this year that includes distributing standardized information letters and signage to apartment communities, updating the tenant‑landlord web page for clearer guidance, conducting on‑site visits and consumer booths to help resolve conflicts early, and inviting landlords to partner by posting materials or hosting on‑site sessions. "This will really help tenants understand their rights, responsibilities, and where to turn for help," she said.

Susan Jones, branch manager with Fairfax County Consumer Affairs, closed the segment and encouraged viewers with consumer issues to contact the office for assistance and to watch for outreach events.

The segment provided practical steps for renters and housing providers, clarified applicable state timelines for deposits and evictions, and announced forthcoming county outreach. No formal action or vote was taken during the program.