Tenant’s Assertion and Complaint (Form # DC-429) – Virginia Court

The Tenant’s Assertion and Complaint (Form DC-429) is a legal document used in the Commonwealth of Virginia for tenants to file a complaint against their landlord. This form allows tenants to assert that their landlord has failed to comply with the rental agreement or applicable laws, creating conditions that may pose a serious threat to the life, health, or safety of the occupants. This form ensures tenants have a structured and legal avenue to seek remedies for non-compliance or hazardous conditions in their rented premises, fostering a fair resolution process within the judicial system.

Filling out the form DC-429 correctly is crucial to ensure your complaint is properly addressed by the court. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you complete the form:

Step 1: Court Information

General District Court

1. • Fill in the name of the court where you are filing the complaint.
   • Enter the street address of the court.

Step 2: Tenant and Landlord Information

Tenant (Plaintiff) Details

1. • Enter your name(s) as the tenant(s).
   • Provide your address and contact information.

Landlord (Defendant) Details

1. • Enter the name(s) of your landlord(s).
   • Provide the landlord’s address.

Address of the Dwelling Unit

1. • Fill in the address of the rental property that is the subject of the complaint.

Step 3: Lease Information

Lease Details

1. • Enter the date the lease was executed.
   • Specify the date the rental period commenced and the date it ends.
   • Indicate the amount of rent and the payment period (e.g., monthly) along with the conditions of payment.

Step 4: Complaint Details

Conditions and Violations

1. • Describe the specific conditions in the dwelling unit or premises that are problematic.
   • Check the appropriate box to indicate if these conditions:
     • Constitute material non-compliance with the rental agreement.
     • Constitute material non-compliance with the provisions of law.
     • Will constitute a fire hazard or serious threat to life, health, or safety if not corrected.

List of Violations

1. • List the pertinent section of the rental agreement, section of the Code of Virginia, or type of hazard and explain the violation in detail.

Step 5: Relief Requested

Relief Sought

1. • Specify the relief you are requesting from the court (e.g., order for repairs, rent reduction, etc.).
   • You can request any other appropriate relief as well.

Step 6: Certification

Certification by Tenant

1. • Certify that all prerequisite conditions for relief, as shown on the reverse of the form, have been met.
   • Sign and date the form.

Step 7: Case Disposition (To Be Filled Out by Court)

Court Use Only

1. • The court will fill in the judgment details, including any awarded costs or attorney fees and the distribution of any funds held in escrow.
   • The court will also fill in the case disposition and enter the judge’s signature and date.

Step 8: Service Details (To Be Filled Out by Serving Officer)

Service of Process

1. • The serving officer will complete the section indicating how the defendants were served (e.g., personal service, posted on the door, etc.).

Prerequisite Conditions for Relief (Page Two)

• Make sure you meet all the conditions listed on the second page of the form before filing your complaint.

Additional Notices

• Read the additional notices about requesting a change of trial location and other important information.

Tips

• Make sure all information is accurate and complete.
• Keep a copy of the filled-out form for your records.
• If you need assistance, consider seeking help from a legal aid organization or attorney.

This guide should help you navigate the process of filling out the Tenant’s Assertion and Complaint form (DC-429) efficiently.