Landlord Tenant Laws in Virginia (VA)
The information below is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Virginia's landlord-tenant laws are governed by Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.. The state receives a tenant-friendliness grade of C (Moderate) based on deposit protections, eviction procedures, rent control status, habitability standards, and available tenant remedies. Virginia follows the URLTA. Tenants may place rent in escrow with the court for habitability violations. Deposits limited to 2 months. Landlords must provide a written move-in inspection report.
Security Deposit Rules in Virginia
Virginia limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. This cap helps ensure that tenants are not burdened with excessive upfront costs when renting a home. Landlords must return the deposit within 45 days after the tenant vacates, typically with an itemized list of any deductions for damages beyond normal wear and tear.
Eviction Process in Virginia
In Virginia, a landlord must provide 5 days' written notice before filing for eviction based on nonpayment of rent. This is a moderate notice period that balances the landlord's need for timely payment with the tenant's need for reasonable time to respond. For month-to-month tenancies, 30 days' notice is required to end the tenancy. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Virginia.
Tenant Rights in Virginia
Tenants in Virginia have robust remedies when landlords fail to maintain habitable conditions. Both rent withholding and repair-and-deduct are available, giving tenants meaningful leverage to compel necessary repairs. However, tenants must follow the proper legal procedure — typically providing written notice and allowing the landlord a reasonable time to make repairs — before exercising these remedies.
Rent Control in Virginia
Virginia has preempted local rent control, meaning cities and municipalities within the state are prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice, subject only to anti-discrimination and anti-retaliation laws.
Landlord Obligations in Virginia
Landlords in Virginia are generally required to:
- Comply with building and housing codes affecting health and safety
- Maintain common areas in a clean and safe condition
- Keep electrical, plumbing, heating, and other systems in good working order
- Provide and maintain appropriate trash receptacles
- Supply running water and reasonable amounts of hot water
- Provide 1 day notice before entering the rental unit (except emergencies)
- Return security deposits within 45 days with an itemized statement of deductions
- Follow proper legal procedures for eviction (no self-help evictions)
City-Specific Landlord-Tenant Information in Virginia
Many cities in Virginia have additional local ordinances or practices that affect landlord-tenant relationships. Below are notes for 4 major cities.
Virginia Beach
Follows state law. No additional local tenant protections.
Richmond
State capital follows Virginia landlord-tenant law. Has housing code enforcement.
Norfolk
Norfolk follows state law. Active housing court.
Arlington
Arlington County follows state law. Has tenant-landlord commission for mediation.
Tenant-Friendliness Score Breakdown
Our scoring system evaluates each state across six categories of tenant protection. Virginia scores 53 out of 100, earning a grade of C (Moderate).
How Virginia Compares
Below is a comparison of Virginia with five states that have similar tenant-friendliness scores. This can help you understand where Virginia falls on the spectrum of tenant protections nationwide.
| State | Score | Grade | Deposit Limit | Eviction Notice | Rent Control |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia (VA) | 53 | C | 2 months' rent | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Iowa (IA) | 53 | C | 2 months' rent | 3 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Colorado (CO) | 51 | C | No statutory limit | 10 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Kentucky (KY) | 55 | C | No statutory limit | 7 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Arizona (AZ) | 56 | C | 1.5 months' rent | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
| Illinois (IL) | 56 | C | No statutory limit (Chicago: 1.5 months) | 5 days | Rent Control Preempted |
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Landlord-Tenant Laws
How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Virginia?
In Virginia, the security deposit limit is 2 months' rent. The landlord must return the deposit within 45 days after the tenant moves out, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
How many days notice before eviction in Virginia?
For nonpayment of rent, Virginia requires 5 days notice before a landlord can file for eviction. For lease termination without cause, 30 days notice is typically required. The actual court process takes additional time.
Can I withhold rent in Virginia if my landlord won't make repairs?
Yes, Virginia allows tenants to withhold rent for habitability issues after providing written notice and allowing reasonable time for repairs.
Does Virginia have rent control?
No, Virginia prohibits local rent control ordinances. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
How much notice must a landlord give before entering in Virginia?
Landlords in Virginia must give 1 day notice before entering, except in emergencies.
Relevant Statutes
The landlord-tenant laws of Virginia are primarily found in Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.. These statutes cover security deposits, lease requirements, eviction procedures, landlord obligations, and tenant remedies. For the most current version of the law, consult your state legislature's website or a qualified attorney.
Explore More States
Use our landlord-tenant law lookup tool to quickly find laws for any state, or browse all 50 states compared side-by-side. Remember that local city ordinances may provide additional protections beyond what state law requires.
This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for legal guidance on your specific situation.