Why Enforce the Property Maintenance Code?
The main reason for enforcing the Property Maintenance Code, of course, is to maintain a minimum level of safety and health in existing buildings. However, enforcing these PM standards does much more. The aesthetic appearance and value of property is also maintained, which contributes to attracting new enterprise, and in turn, to the economic growth of the City as a whole. Landlord / Tenant Disputes A common issue that the Department of Inspections encounters, are the disputes between landlords and tenants. Most often tenants complain that their landlord will not repair broken items, and landlords complain that their tenants damaged the item in the first place. The tenant withholds rent and the landowner then refuses to respond. In these cases, the Department has an obligation to investigate the “situation” and act accordingly per the Property Maintenance Code. In almost all of these disputes, there is no lease agreement. While Virginia law recognizes “verbal” agreements, a written lea
