Inappropriate Threat of Eviction
My question involves an eviction in the state of: Virginia
My friend had her house broken into by her husband. They were separated and he was not supposed to know where she lived. Somehow he found the her apartment and broke in twice, the first time he was notified, through certified mail, he was not supposed to contact her or see her or be in or around her residence. The next time he broke in, he kicked the door in and assaulted her. Cops were called, and he turned himself in.
To the real issue... The owner/landlord is now contesting that my friend is responsible for the damage to the door. My friend, of course, disclaimed all responsibility. The landlord/owner then threatened her with eviction if she does not take responsibility. Long story short, my friends friend took care of it for her and the door should be fixed tomorrow.
Legally, I believe that my friend is in the right. The owner would say otherwise and will still likely kick her out for disclaiming responsibility and sticking up for herself.
What is the expert opinion? What can be done about jerks like this and what compensation is owed to my friend... and what can be done to prevent something like this from happening to somebody else in the apartments where my friend lives?
Thanks in advance!
Re: Inappropriate Threat of Eviction
If she's a month-to-month tenant, the landlord can end her tenancy any time he wants by giving proper notice (generally, not less than thirty days prior to the end of the next rent period). Could he have successfully charged her for the door repair out of her deposit? I doubt it, given his responsibility to maintain exterior doors and the fact that her ex- was uninvited and engaged in a criminal act.