Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Virginia gives tenants 14 days to pay overdue rent after written notice before a landlord can end the lease (Va. Code § 55.1-1245). Deposits are capped at two months’ rent, late fees at 10%, and tenants can repair and deduct up to $1,500 or one month’s rent.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Virginia?
A Virginia landlord has 45 days after the tenancy ends to return the deposit with an itemized list of deductions.
| Maximum Deposit | Two months’ rent |
| Return Deadline | 45 days |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required |
| Statute Reference | Va. Code § 55.1-1226 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Virginia?
Virginia has no rent control and no cap on increases; late fees cannot exceed the lesser of 10% of the periodic rent or 10% of the remaining balance.
| Late Fee Limit | Lesser of 10% of periodic rent or 10% of the remaining balance |
| Rent Control Status | No rent control |
| Statute Reference | Va. Code § 55.1-1204 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Virginia
A Virginia eviction for unpaid rent starts with a written 14-day notice to pay; a nonremediable criminal or willful act allows immediate termination.
| Non-Payment Notice | 14 days |
| Lease Violation Notice | 21 days to cure; terminates at 30 days |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 30 days |
| Illegal Activity | Immediate termination for criminal or willful acts |
| Statute Reference | Va. Code §§ 55.1-1245, 55.1-1253 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Virginia?
No. Virginia requires 24 hours’ notice for entry, and 72 hours for routine maintenance the tenant did not request.
| Notice Required | 24 hours; 72 hours for unrequested routine maintenance |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed without notice |
| Permitted Reasons | Inspect, repairs, agreed services, show the unit |
| Statute Reference | Va. Code § 55.1-1229 |
What Must a Virginia Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Move-in inspection report within 5 days, including any visible mold (Va. Code § 55.1-1226)
- Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities (Va. Code § 55.1-1204)
- Military air installation noise zone disclosure where applicable (Va. Code § 55.1-1217)
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Virginia?
Virginia landlords must keep the unit fit and habitable; tenants can pay rent into escrow with the court or repair and deduct after notice.
What Virginia landlords must maintain
- • Comply with building and housing codes (Va. Code § 55.1-1220)
- • Keep the premises fit and habitable, including heat, water and mold control
- • Maintain supplied electrical, plumbing, heating and appliances
What a Virginia tenant can do
- • Tenant’s assertion and rent escrow in court (Va. Code § 55.1-1244)
- • Repair and deduct after notice (limit below)
| Repair & Deduct | Up to $1,500 or one month’s rent, whichever is greater |
| Statute Reference | Va. Code §§ 55.1-1220, 55.1-1244, 55.1-1244.1 |