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2017 SESSION

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17101755D
SENATE BILL NO. 959 Offered January 11, 2017 Prefiled January 2, 2017 A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 55-248.37:1, relating to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; landlord to inspect vacated dwelling unit for abandoned animals; penalty. ---------- Patron-- Spruill ---------- Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology ----------

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 55-248.37:1 as follows:

§ 55-248.37:1. Landlord to inspect for abandoned animals; penalty.

A. As used in this section, "abandoned animal" means any companion animal as defined in § 3.2-6500 or specialty pet as defined in § 3.2-4800 that is found in a dwelling unit vacated through termination of tenancy or abandonment or pursuant to an action of unlawful detainer.

B. Within three days after a landlord knew or should have known that a dwelling unit has been vacated through termination of tenancy or abandonment or pursuant to an action of unlawful detainer, the landlord shall inspect the dwelling unit for the presence of any abandoned animals. If the landlord encounters an abandoned animal, he shall immediately notify an animal control officer as defined in § 3.2-6555 or law-enforcement officer as defined in defined in § 9.1-101 of the presence and condition of the animal. A landlord who encounters an abandoned animal under this section shall not be considered the owner or custodian of the animal.

C. Any person who fails to comply with the provisions of this section is subject to a civil penalty of $500. Such penalty shall be collected by attorney for the locality in which the dwelling unit is located, and the proceeds shall be deposited into the Literary Fund.