Tenant Utility Fine Dispute

Summary

If the lease agreement specifies that utilities must be on for the inspection, this term is enforceable. You can retain the $200 fine if the tenants violated this condition. If they refuse to pay, you may consider taking the matter to small claims court. Always consult with a local attorney for precise advice.

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I am a landlord. I recently had tenants move out. They left the house a disaster. They also failed to keep the electrical utility on for the inspection. According to the lease, the utilities must be left on for the inspection or there is a $* fine. This was charged to them. They recently reached out to me and claimed that the utilities needed to be off because they needed to be transferred to the new place before they could complete the lease and get the move in date. I have never heard of this. I believe they are lying to me again to get out of paying the $* fine. How should I handle this?
As a landlord in Virginia, you have rights. Here are some points for your situation:
- If the lease agreement states utilities must be on for the inspection, it's enforceable.
- You can keep the $* fine if they violated this term.
- If they refuse to pay, consider small claims court.
- Always consult with a local attorney for precise advice.