Can our landlord tell us that we have to vacate the premises during an inspection?

Can our landlord tell us that we have to vacate the premises during an inspection?

My landlord of our duplex has asked that we vacate the premises during an alleged appraisal of the home. However, we are almost entirely certain that she is just sending her friend in to take pictures of the inside of the home. Our landlord has instructed us that she doesn’t want us here even when her friend arrives and after she leaves. We have expressed our discomfort with having a complete stranger in our home without us there. We have two very young children so, aside from protecting our things, we feel this is a measure to protect our children. Can she legally ask us to do this?

Asked on March 7, 2012 under Real Estate Law, Virginia

Answers:

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