James Madison University
The statutory repair remedy is conditional. For a qualifying material or serious health-and-safety condition, written notice comes first; if the landlord takes no reasonable repair steps within 14 days, the tenant may use the specified licensed contractor or qualified pesticide business. Recoverable actual cost is capped at the greater of one month’s rent or $1,500. Deduction requires an itemized statement and receipts if the landlord has not reimbursed it. The remedy excludes tenant-caused conditions, denied access, and conditions already repaired before contracting.
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