Cozy Home in Golf Course Community

Caution for Future Tenants: Confirm Lease and Deposit Terms in Writing

I stayed at this furnished rental from Sept 15Sept 30. The lease provided by the landlord was incomplete and never signed by either party, so no formal notice or renewal terms were agreed to. The stay was prorated for the 15-day period, and there was no renewal after Sept 30. I moved out on the agreed final day and documented the condition with timestamped photos and video showing the space clean and undamaged. The landlord later stated they would withhold the $1,200 security deposit for not giving 30 days notice. However, no signed lease existed requiring notice, and Virginia Code 55.1-1226 does not allow withholding a deposit as a penaltyonly for documented, itemized damages. No damage statement or receipts were provided. A formal 7-day demand for return has been sent, and Im prepared to escalate through Virginias tenant-landlord resolution process if necessary. Future renters: ensure all lease and deposit terms are completed and signed before move-in.