Virginia LL wants them out.

My cousin has a home rental in VA.

He allowed tenants to have 1 dog - identified in lease.

Tenants got a few more dogs and now there is noticeable property damage.

Owner wants tenant to move out end of April.

This process with these circumstances are likely state specific.

How should the owner proceed in Virginia?

Without knowing anything about VA, I think that I can tell you that the process involves notifying the tenants that you are terminating their tenancy and then, if they don't leave voluntarily, to evict them by a court order. You didn't say if their is a lease or other long-term commitment to rent to them.

This legal process involves details that are often easy to follow, but must be handled exactly. Other times, it can get very complicated and require an attorney. Your cousin should at least consult with an attorney about exactly what procedure to follow and details. I think it is better to hire an attorney to do it all for you, since he is evidently not an expert in such matters.

Tony: Is your cousin the owner / landlord? Cousin may want to come here & get info more directly.

Need more info, like:

What does the Rental agreement say.Is it Monthly or a year (or other term) lease?

If a lease, when does it end?

How many more dogs? Did this just happen? Again - what provisions are in the Agreement regarding authorized / unauthorized animals?

Go (have your cousin) to the top left area of this page and click on the bluish letters that say "Landlord/Tenant State Laws" Find Virginia. Print, read & study.

That may answer your (cousin's) questions.

Oh, and regarding property damage - it should be repaired and billed to the tenant for IMMEDIATE payment. If they refuse, that is one more thin to help evict them.

Tony, your cousin has excellent opportunity for training for Virginia. Mr. Landlord is from Virginia! My suggestion is for your cousin to get paid advice from a local eviction attorney, and then take MrLandlord’s Bootcamp to up his/her game! And yes, cousin should become familiar with Virginia laws. I try to give tenant the opportunity to correct, in this case, i’d See if there could be things done about the dogs, (crates, training, long walks,) though getting more than one is problem when not approved. And, I would be making repairs, billing tenant now. I don’t like to let things wait until time to try to get it out of security deposit. Sometimes tenants are willing to learn, and take responsibility, if given leadership.

Hi VJ. Cousin is the owner. Tenant is in the 2nd year of 1 year lease which continues as month to month. 4 additional dogs - part time according to the tenant (?????). Problem just started recently - tenant supposedly "watching" these dogs for a relative. Lease allows for 1 dog only. Rental is in Prince William County.

I'll tell him to look through the VA info on this site tonight.