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VA LANDLORD-TENANT LAW

Virginia Landlord-Tenant Laws 2026

Security deposit limits, notice requirements, eviction process, late fees, and more for Virginia landlords. All citations reference actual Virginia statutes.

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Disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change frequently. Always verify current statutes with your state legislature or consult a licensed attorney before making legal decisions.
Security DepositNotice PeriodEvictionLate FeeLease TerminationRent IncreaseHabitabilityLandlord EntryFair Housing
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Security Deposit Rules

Va. Code § 55.1-1226
Security deposit limited to 2 months rent. Must be returned within 45 days. Itemized deductions required within 45 days. Landlord may hold deposit in any account.
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Notice Period Requirements

Va. Code § 55.1-1253
Month-to-month requires 30 days notice. Lease violation: 21 days notice to cure for non-compliance, 5 days for nonpayment.
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⚖️

Eviction Process

Va. Code § 55.1-1245
Nonpayment: 5-day pay-or-quit notice (14 days for federally assisted housing). Lease violation: 21-day notice to cure (30 days for subsequent). Court filing required for unlawful detainer.
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Late Fee Rules

Va. Code § 55.1-1204
No statutory cap on late fee amount. Grace period required: late fee cannot be charged until rent is more than 5 days late. Fee must be in lease.
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Lease Termination

Va. Code § 55.1-1253
Fixed-term ends per lease. Month-to-month: 30 days notice. Early termination for military deployment, domestic violence, sexual assault, or if premises are uninhabitable.
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📈

Rent Increase Rules

Va. Code § 55.1-1204
No statewide rent control. Virginia preempts local rent control. No statutory limit on increases. Proper notice for month-to-month tenancies.
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🏠

Habitability Standards

Va. Code § 55.1-1220
Landlord must maintain premises in fit and habitable condition, comply with building codes, provide running water, heat, AC (if provided), and maintain all systems. Tenant may seek rent escrow.
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Landlord Entry Rules

Va. Code § 55.1-1229
Landlord must give at least 24 hours notice before entry. Entry at reasonable times. Emergency entry without notice. Tenant may not unreasonably withhold consent.
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🤝

Fair Housing Protections

Va. Code § 36-96.3
Virginia Fair Housing Law prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, familial status, elderliness, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, and source of funds.
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