This form covers the subject matter described in the form's title for your State.This is a letter written by the Tenant to the Landlord explaining that the law generally provides that as Landlord he/she may regain possession of the leased premises in accordance with the terms of the lease by Tenant surrendering possession, or by appropriate court action, or based on Tenant's abandonment of the property. This letter is designed to put Landlord on notice that he/she is not permitted to use other illegal means to gain repossession of the premises.
[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Landlord's Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Subject: Notice and Demand to Cease Unlawful Self-Help Measures and Restore Possession of Rented Property Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of utmost concern regarding your unlawful self-help measures to gain possession of the property leased to me at [Rented Property Address] in Fairfax, Virginia. As a responsible tenant, I have been abiding by the terms and conditions of our lease agreement diligently. However, I recently discovered that you have resorted to self-help actions that greatly violate my rights as a tenant and undermine the agreed-upon terms of the lease. Specifically, I have observed the following self-help measures taken by you, which are illegal under both Virginia law and our lease agreement: 1. Unauthorized Entry: On [Date], I found that you had entered the rented property without prior notice or permission. This constitutes trespassing and violates Virginia Code Section 55.248.31. It is imperative that you respect my privacy and adhere to the proper procedures as outlined by applicable laws. 2. Disruption of Utilities: On [Date], I discovered that you intentionally disconnected or obstructed essential utilities such as water, electricity, or gas without just cause or legal due process. These actions, prohibited under Virginia Code Section 55.248.16, impose undue suffering and endanger my health and safety. 3. Removal or Seizure of Personal Property: On [Date], I found that you unlawfully removed or seized my personal possessions from the rented property without any valid reason or lawful authority. Such actions contravene my rights as a tenant, as protected by Virginia Code Section 55.248.37, and I demand an immediate return of all seized property. 4. Harassment and Intimidation: On numerous occasions, you have engaged in harassing or intimidating conduct, including verbal threats, excessive communications, or other unreasonable behavior, with the intention of coercing me into vacating the leased premises unlawfully. This type of behavior is not only unprofessional but also in violation of Virginia's tenant protection laws. It is deeply disappointing that I, as a tenant, am forced to remind you of your obligations as a landlord. As you are well aware, these unlawful self-help measures seriously infringe upon my rights outlined in our lease agreement, Fairfax County rental regulations, and state laws. I hereby demand that you immediately cease all self-help measures mentioned above and take immediate steps to rectify the damage caused by your actions. I further demand that you restore possession of the rented property and all personal belongings without any delay. Failure to comply with this notice and demand will leave me no choice but to pursue legal remedies available to me under Virginia law, including seeking damages, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, and any other appropriate redress. I kindly request you to respond to this letter within [reasonable time frame, e.g., 10 business days] to inform me of the steps you will be taking to address this serious matter. Failure to respond or address the issue adequately will be considered an admission of responsibility and further evidence of your intentional violation of the law. Collegiality, [Your Name][Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date] [Landlord's Name] [Landlord's Address] [City, State, ZIP Code] Subject: Notice and Demand to Cease Unlawful Self-Help Measures and Restore Possession of Rented Property Dear [Landlord's Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of utmost concern regarding your unlawful self-help measures to gain possession of the property leased to me at [Rented Property Address] in Fairfax, Virginia. As a responsible tenant, I have been abiding by the terms and conditions of our lease agreement diligently. However, I recently discovered that you have resorted to self-help actions that greatly violate my rights as a tenant and undermine the agreed-upon terms of the lease. Specifically, I have observed the following self-help measures taken by you, which are illegal under both Virginia law and our lease agreement: 1. Unauthorized Entry: On [Date], I found that you had entered the rented property without prior notice or permission. This constitutes trespassing and violates Virginia Code Section 55.248.31. It is imperative that you respect my privacy and adhere to the proper procedures as outlined by applicable laws. 2. Disruption of Utilities: On [Date], I discovered that you intentionally disconnected or obstructed essential utilities such as water, electricity, or gas without just cause or legal due process. These actions, prohibited under Virginia Code Section 55.248.16, impose undue suffering and endanger my health and safety. 3. Removal or Seizure of Personal Property: On [Date], I found that you unlawfully removed or seized my personal possessions from the rented property without any valid reason or lawful authority. Such actions contravene my rights as a tenant, as protected by Virginia Code Section 55.248.37, and I demand an immediate return of all seized property. 4. Harassment and Intimidation: On numerous occasions, you have engaged in harassing or intimidating conduct, including verbal threats, excessive communications, or other unreasonable behavior, with the intention of coercing me into vacating the leased premises unlawfully. This type of behavior is not only unprofessional but also in violation of Virginia's tenant protection laws. It is deeply disappointing that I, as a tenant, am forced to remind you of your obligations as a landlord. As you are well aware, these unlawful self-help measures seriously infringe upon my rights outlined in our lease agreement, Fairfax County rental regulations, and state laws. I hereby demand that you immediately cease all self-help measures mentioned above and take immediate steps to rectify the damage caused by your actions. I further demand that you restore possession of the rented property and all personal belongings without any delay. Failure to comply with this notice and demand will leave me no choice but to pursue legal remedies available to me under Virginia law, including seeking damages, injunctive relief, attorney's fees, and any other appropriate redress. I kindly request you to respond to this letter within [reasonable time frame, e.g., 10 business days] to inform me of the steps you will be taking to address this serious matter. Failure to respond or address the issue adequately will be considered an admission of responsibility and further evidence of your intentional violation of the law. Collegiality, [Your Name]
