Virginia Dynamics Co. v. Payne

In this case, we decide whether a provision of the unlawful entry and detainer statute, Code § 8.01-128, authorizes a lessor to split its cause of action for unpaid rent.

For a period scheduled to begin October 15, 1987, and to end October 31, 1992, Virginia Dynamics Company (the lessor) leased premises in Stafford County to Steve Turco, Doreen Turco, Thomas E. Payne, and Roy E. Wilfong, a partnership trading as Master Electrical Contractors (the lessee). The lessee took possession of the premises.1 An acceleration clause in the lease provided that

[if the monthly installment of] rent is late…