What action can be taken if a tenant fails to pay rent on time under the VRLTA?

Under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), if a tenant fails to pay rent on time, the appropriate action that can be taken is to begin the eviction process. This process typically involves the landlord providing the tenant with a notice of the overdue rent and a chance to remedy the situation, but if the tenant fails to pay within the timeframe specified in the lease or by law, the landlord can then proceed with filing for eviction in court.

Initiating the eviction process is a critical step for landlords to regain possession of the property, especially if the tenant consistently fails to fulfill their rental obligations. This process includes legal proceedings and, depending on the court's decision, may culminate in the tenant being ordered to vacate the premises.

While there may be considerations regarding grace periods or waiting periods in specific contexts or under particular lease agreements, the straightforward approach under the VRLTA for non-payment of rent is for the landlord to start the eviction process following appropriate legal procedures. This ensures that landlords can take necessary actions to protect their rights and property.