My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Virginia
Due to a pipe bursting, the electricity in my apartment has been out for four days. Management at the complex offered hotel accommodations, which I took advantage of, of course, because there is no other option except to leave when you don't have electricity. Today, on the fourth day, they advised residents that the electricity was restored temporarily while the part they need to fix the issue permanently is being manufactured. This means that next Monday, the power will again be off for another 8 hours. I told them I would not be paying rent on the days that I had no electricity. They advised that because they provided a hotel, I must pay the full rent amount. While I appreciate the hotel, I am adamant about not paying rent on the days my apartment was uninhabitable...the groceries that needed to be thrown out where worth at least $200. Not to mention that I work from home, and had to take three days off due to this issue. So...legally, am I able to deny them full rent payment, even if they provided a hotel?