What is the statute of limitations for landlord-tenant disputes in Virginia?

Full question:

What is the statue of limitation on, serving a judgement after 4 years? type of claim landlord tenant dispute. Landlord filed a lien after 4 years stating rental property was damaged and rent is owed. My question, is why it took so long for them to contact me when in fact they had my employment information on the original rental application? What are the statue of limitations on this type of claim filed with a general court?

  • Category: Criminal
  • Subcategory: Statute of Limitations
  • Date:
  • State: Virginia

Answer:

In Virginia, the statutes of limitations for various claims are as follows:

  • Open account: 3 years from the last payment or charge.
  • Written contracts (non-UCC): 5 years.
  • Sale of goods under the UCC: 4 years.
  • Virginia judgments: 10 years, renewable to 20 years.
  • Foreign judgments: 10 years.

In your case, if the landlord waited four years to file a lien for damages and unpaid rent, it may be important to determine whether this is within the applicable statute of limitations for the specific claim they are making. Generally, a landlord must act within the relevant time frame for the type of claim they are pursuing.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Suing for unpaid rent can be worth it if the amount owed is significant and you have evidence to support your claim. Consider the cost of legal fees, court costs, and the likelihood of collecting the judgment. If the tenant has the means to pay, it may be beneficial. However, if the tenant is financially unable to pay, it might not be worth the effort. Always evaluate your specific situation before proceeding.