Legal Assistance

Arlington County’s Housing Division provides information about the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords to assist with resolution of tenant-landlord disputes; educational workshops on landlord-tenant law, lease requirements, tenant screening, tenant rights, mediation and the Virginia Fair Housing Law; and numerous useful documents related to the rental process.

Arlington’s Office of Human Rights handles complaints of discrimination in the workplace, housing, and places of public accommodation if you live, work, or do business in Arlington.

Virginia Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Protection Section: This office may be able to assist with consumer questions about obtaining a refund of a security deposit and complaints on rental problems.

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation’s Fair Housing Office is responsible for investigating housing discrimination complaints. Complaints must be filed in writing within one year after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or terminated.

Equal Rights Center has a Fair Housing Program that conducts education and outreach, individual and systemic investigations, and advocates on behalf of its members and others who have experienced housing discrimination. 

The Fairfax County Office of Human Rights and Equity Programs handles complaints of discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, private education and credit. 

Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia has fair housing specialists that counsel both home seekers and housing providers on their rights and responsibilities under federal and state fair housing/civil rights laws. 

Alexandria City's Landlord Tenant Relations Division mediates housing-related disputes between landlords and tenants.

Legal Services of Northern Virginia assists with landlord tenant eviction cases; utility cut-off and constructive eviction cases; cases involving illegal lock outs; tenant assertion cases for tenants seeking to improve living conditions and require landlord compliance with local housing codes; Fair Housing Act cases; subsidized public housing and Section 8 cases; and administrative hearings before local departments of housing. 

Legal Services of Northern Virginia assists with landlord tenant eviction cases; utility cut-off and constructive eviction cases; cases involving illegal lock outs; tenant assertion cases for tenants seeking to improve living conditions and require landlord compliance with local housing codes; Fair Housing Act cases; subsidized public housing and Section 8 cases; and administrative hearings before local departments of housing. 

Legal Services of Northern Virginia assists with landlord tenant eviction cases; utility cut-off and constructive eviction cases; cases involving illegal lock outs; tenant assertion cases for tenants seeking to improve living conditions and require landlord compliance with local housing codes; Fair Housing Act cases; subsidized public housing and Section 8 cases; and administrative hearings before local departments of housing. 

Legal Services of Northern Virginia assists with landlord tenant eviction cases; utility cut-off and constructive eviction cases; cases involving illegal lock outs; tenant assertion cases for tenants seeking to improve living conditions and require landlord compliance with local housing codes; Fair Housing Act cases; subsidized public housing and Section 8 cases; and administrative hearings before local departments of housing. 

Legal Services of Northern Virginia assists with landlord tenant eviction cases; utility cut-off and constructive eviction cases; cases involving illegal lock outs; tenant assertion cases for tenants seeking to improve living conditions and require landlord compliance with local housing codes; Fair Housing Act cases; subsidized public housing and Section 8 cases; and administrative hearings before local departments of housing.

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development’s Fair Housing Enforcement Office has an on-line system that enables individuals to file housing discrimination complaints based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability.

Virginia Lawyer Referral Service has referral specialists who provide the name and telephone number of a lawyer near you who has indicated a particular interest in handling your type of problem.