My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Virginia. Renting in a single-family house in VA, from 04/11-04/12, the landlord finally send another lease on 11/12 thru 05/13, in which he increased the rent and also put in an additional clause that will charge us $75 for any repairs that need to be done. The house was built in 1991 and over the last year, repairs (patches) have been done on the air conditioning unit, water heater replacement, heater and various things around the house, that have not been due to our neglect or damage. For instance the heater was looked at again and patched, but the repairman had stated that the repair was only temporary. Can I refute this new clause on the lease or am I obligated to just sign the new lease without any rebuttal? Is the landlord responsible for the habitable living conditions of the house? Note: we have always paid a week before due date and have done repairs to the house ourselves, custom blinds throughout the house - whereas landlord was not going to replace damaged blinds, purchased new stove - original stove not working/unusable, washer/dryer replaced - original in the house not working. Also he has stated that on moving out that we need to provide a receipt from professional carpet cleaners, I own my own carpet cleaning machine and at least one every two months steam clean the carpets. Can I do the carpets myself or do I have to have it professional done. Thanks for your help.

