No Lease Agreement: Tenants Want to Use Security Deposit For Last Months Rent?

[Tommy La]

Hi all,

Hope you can help. I am in Northern VA and my parents rent out a townhome- in the past they used a lease, but since it expired, they have never sent the tenants a new lease for renewal. Now, they want to leave, and use the security deposit as the last months rent. I know for a fact that this is not legit, but they are not under a lease. How can I lawfully get them to pay?

Thank you in advance!!!