summoned to court - conflicting instructions

summoned to court - conflicting instructions by Ken R (VA) on February 8, 2012 @17:28

I was summoned (never received it but got a phone call) to court yesterday due to rent not being paid for the first of January. When the judge asked if I owed the January rent, I said yes but the amount was in dispute. She then set the case for trial to March 12th and I have to put the rent in escrow with the court by 2-13-12. In the phone call I received Friday from the Landlord, they told me I had to be out by 2-15-12; however, as I read the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (and this Landlord has multiple rental units so the VRLTA does apply); ss55-248-36 & ss55-248-25:1, it appears to me the Landlord cannot evict me without a court order which was not done since it has been set for a hearing. So, my question is: do we have to be out by 2-15-12 or should I put the money in escrow and wait for the court date? And if they do lock us out on the 15th, what do I do?

Thank you for your time.

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Re: summoned to court - conflicting instructions by Anonymous on February 8, 2012 @19:17	[ Reply ]

To lock you out, a court officer/sheriff has to do it. They will do it only with a court order. If you don't put the rent in escrow as the judge instructed, your LL automatically wins and can get that court order for the sheriff to lock you out. If the LL locks you out personally, call the police.

Re: summoned to court - conflicting instructions by Anonymous on February 8, 2012 @19:18	[ Reply ]

What I would like to know is what your lease states the rent should be and why there is a dispute in the difference.

Re: summoned to court - conflicting instructions by Jake on February 8, 2012 @19:36	[ Reply ]

Your life would be so much more easier for you if you would just paid your rent and leave. Now the landlord is going to get a judgment against you that will become a part of your credit record. This will be followed by an eviction because you are too stupid to pay rent and leave when the landlord told you to. An eviction will stay on your credit record forever and never come off. You will never again be able to rent, buy a car or get a credit card. You will not be the first tenant who the landlord has wrecked the credit of and put on the curb. What you need to do is sit right where you are and watch it all happen.

Re: summoned to court - conflicting instructions