Know Your Renter Rights: Henrico mother waits months for flooding repairs
VENN
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — Before you sign the dotted line and move in to your apartment, attorneys say knowing your rights as a renter is important.
8News spoke with a Henrico mother, who wishes to remain anonymous, about several photos she shared of damaged belongings and extensive repairs to her two bedroom apartment after a sprinkler malfunction.
“I'm like, am I in a dream or something? Because I did not know, like what was going on,” she said.
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
It was a nightmare she said she never saw coming after moving in to her apartment a year ago. She said it took two months for her property manager to make repairs while she bounced from hotel to hotel with her young daughter. When she returned she said her belongings were damaged and the repairs weren't complete.
8News reached out to property management about her concerns. A spokesperson shared the following statement via email.
"We take every resident's concern seriously and work to resolve issues promptly and professionally. In this case, the resident agreed to relocate following significant damage from a sprinkler system, an element maintained by the HOA’s management, not Peak Property Management. Our team quickly secured lodging at no cost to the resident. The resident has recently been given notice that they can return to their fully renovated unit with upgraded flooring and appliances. We’re proud of our team’s response and remain committed to providing safe, well-managed homes for all our residents."
The mother stated she wished to be compensated for her damaged belongings. When 8News followed up about this request, we received the following response.
"We have been working closely with the resident to ensure she is supported throughout this process. All legally required expenses have been covered by the landlord, and the resident's insurance has handled additional costs. After extensive repairs, the unit is now fully renovated, exceeding its original condition. If any issues stem from the renovation, they will be promptly addressed. Until your email, we were unaware of the resident's request for further compensation. We’ve contacted her to understand her expectations and will make prompt payment if the landlord is responsible. We remain committed to providing fair and compassionate care to the resident while always operating in accordance with the law. While we understand the resident’s frustration that can come with these situations, we are confident that we have handled everything professionally and promptly."
Olivia Seksinsky, an attorney with Central Virginia Legal Aid told 8News she's received countless requests from residents in a similar situation, waiting for repairs after they believe landlords have dragged their feet. Seksinsky said while compensation from your landlord isn't guaranteed, knowing your rights as a renter is crucial to ease frustrations. Starting with having renter's insurance and knowing what is covered.
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
Damage to a Henrico apartment after flooding
“The money that you will pay to have the renter's insurance, even if you never use it, may seem like a burden. The real burden will be if something happens and you cannot recover from the loss," Seksinsky said.
What to do if you are waiting for repairs.
- Notify your landlord in writing
- Give your landlord a reasonable amount of time to make repairs (14-30 days)
- File a tenant's assertion.
A tenant's assertion allows renters to pay their rent to the court until a judge steps in.
“In Virginia you have to pay your rent either to your landlord or to the court to hold. Those are kind of the only two options. And if your rent is unpaid and you have a conditions problem, you can't raise that problem as a defense to not paying your rent," Seksinsky said.
