HB 1482

Abstract

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; unlawful detainer action; emergency hearings. Provides for an emergency hearing to occur on a summons for unlawful detainer filed by an owner of a residential single family dwelling unit if the court finds based upon the evidence that (i) no rental agreement exists or has ever existed between the owner and the occupant; (ii) the occupant occupies such dwelling unit without permission of such owner; and (iii) the owner has given such occupant a written notice to vacate such dwelling unit at least 72 hours prior to the date of filing. Under the bill, an emergency hearing on such summons shall occur as soon as practicable, but not more than 14 days from the date of filing.

Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act;unlawful detainer action for squatters. Provides for an emergencyhearing to occur on a summons for unlawful detainer where a personhas intruded into or squatted upon the real property or rental dwellingunit without the permission of the person entitled to possession.The bill permits the property owner or landlord to seek an award of costs, attorney fees, and civil damages.