Which type of property is NOT exempt from the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act?

The reason an apartment building with five units is not exempt from the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act lies in the specific provisions of the law. The Act is designed to protect tenants and landlords through clear regulations and guidelines regarding leases, landlords' duties, and tenants' rights. Residential properties, including multifamily dwellings like a five-unit apartment building, fall under the jurisdiction of this Act, ensuring that the rights of tenants are upheld and providing a structured framework for landlords to operate within.

In contrast, single-family homes can be exempt under certain circumstances, depending on the number of rental properties owned by the landlord, and vacation rentals often do not meet the criteria outlined in the Act since they are generally considered temporary accommodations rather than long-term tenancies. Similarly, commercial properties are primarily governed by different laws that pertain to transactions in business and commercial leasing, not the residential standards set by the Act. Thus, the inclusion of an apartment building with five units within the Act's protections highlights its purpose to ensure reasonable tenant rights and obligations in residential settings.