My question involves landlord-tenant law in the State of: Virginia
My sister, and brother in law have had a debate over this, and I'd like to clarify it.
She says there is no 'Main/Head Lease-y' whereas, he claims that she is the one who signed the lease, and has all rights, while he has none. It is a long, sordid issue, where in the landlord is not upholding his part of the lease, and they are debating legal action.
Is there such a thing as a main/head lease-y when it is a married couple living in the residence? They were married before signing the lease.
The landlord has not repaired the household well, it is not properly insulated, it is costing them well over $250 in power to keep the heat on, they have a 2 year old child. The landlord refuses to come do repairs, check when the water pipes burst, or anything.
They even have photographic evidence of the landlord siphoning power from their house, so he could do repairs on a nearby house, and denies doing so, as well as refusing to pay for the increased charges that were made.
What advice can I give them? I've tried telling them to come here and ask themselves, but neither has any backbone, and I want my family to be secure, and in a safe, well maintained home.

