55-248.18:1 - Access following entry of certain court orders. - Virginia Statutes

§ 55-248.18:1. Access following entry of certain court orders.

A. A tenant who has obtained an order from a court of competent jurisdictionpursuant to § 16.1-279.1 or subsection B of § 20-103 granting such tenantpossession of the premises to the exclusion of one or more co-tenants orauthorized occupants may provide the landlord with a copy of that court orderand request that the landlord either (i) install a new lock or other securitydevices on the exterior doors of the dwelling unit at the landlord's actualcost or (ii) permit the tenant to do so, provided:

1. Installation of the new lock or security devices does no permanent damageto any part of the dwelling unit; and

2. A duplicate copy of all keys and instructions of how to operate alldevices are given to the landlord.

Upon termination of the tenancy, the tenant shall be responsible for paymentto the landlord of the reasonable costs incurred for the removal of all suchdevices installed and repairs to all damaged areas.

B. A landlord who has received a copy of a court order in accordance withsubsection A shall not provide copies of any keys to the dwelling unit to anyperson excluded from the premises by such order.

C. This section shall not apply when the court order excluding a person wasissued ex parte.

(2005, cc. 735, 825.)