CODE OF VIRGINIA

ON WHAT TERMS PURCHASERS AND LIENORS INFERIOR TO LANDLORD MAY REMOVE GOODS;
CERTAIN LIENS NOT AFFECTED (§ 55-233)

If, after the commencement of any tenancy, a lien be obtained or created by deed
of trust, mortgage or otherwise upon the interest or property in goods on
premises leased or rented of any person liable for the rent, or such goods be
sold, the party having such lien, or the purchaser of such goods, may remove
them from the premises on the following terms, and not otherwise, that is to
say: On paying to the person entitled to the rent so much as is in arrear, and
securing to him so much as to become due, what is so paid or secured not being
more altogether than six months’ rent if the premises are in a city or
town, or in any subdivision of suburban and other lands divided into building
lots for residential purposes, or of premises anywhere used for residential
purposes, and not for farming or agriculture, and not being more altogether than
twelve months’ rent, if the lands or premises are used for farming or
agriculture. If the goods be taken under legal process, the officer executing it
shall, out of the proceeds of the goods, make such payment of what is in arrear;
and as to what is to become due, he shall sell a sufficient portion of the goods
on a credit till then, taking from the purchasers bonds, with good security,
payable to the person so entitled, and delivering such bonds to him. If the
goods be not taken under legal process, such payment and security shall be made
and given before their removal. Neither this section nor § 55-231 shall affect
any lien for taxes, levies, or militia fines.For the purpose of this section and
§ 55-231 a monthly or weekly tenancy shall not be construed as a new lease for
every month or week of occupation of the premises by the tenant, but his tenancy
shall be considered as a continuance of his original lease so long as he shall
continue to occupy the property without making any new written lease.

HISTORY: Code 1919, § 5524; 1922, p. 863; 1932, p. 696.