Virginia landlord-tenant law
Quick facts
| Topic | At a glance |
|---|---|
| Security deposit limit | Maximum two months' periodic rent. |
| Deposit return deadline | Itemized written notice plus any amount owed within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant moves out, whichever is later. |
| Notice to enter | Notice of intent to enter, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency. |
| Rent increase notice | Landlords with more than 4 units (or more than a 10% interest in more than 4) must give written notice of a rent increase for the renewal… |
| Late fees | Late charge must be in the written lease and can't exceed the lesser of 10% of the periodic rent or 10% of the remaining balance owed. |
| Eviction notice (nonpayment) | Written notice giving the tenant 14 days to pay before the landlord may terminate. |
| Rent control / state preemption | Not yet verified |
Details & sources
Security deposit limit
Maximum two months' periodic rent.
Verified Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Deposit return deadline
Itemized written notice plus any amount owed within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant moves out, whichever is later.
Verified Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Notice to enter
Notice of intent to enter, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency. At least 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance the tenant didn't request.
Verified Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1229(A)(4) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Rent increase notice
Landlords with more than 4 units (or more than a 10% interest in more than 4) must give written notice of a rent increase for the renewal term at least 60 days before the lease term ends (rising to 90 days from July 1, 2027).
Verified Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1204(K) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Late fees
Late charge must be in the written lease and can't exceed the lesser of 10% of the periodic rent or 10% of the remaining balance owed.
Verified Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1204(E) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Eviction notice (nonpayment)
Written notice giving the tenant 14 days to pay before the landlord may terminate.
Verified Source: Va. Code § 55.1-1245(F) · last checked 2026-10-15
Back to quick facts ↑Rent control / state preemption
Not yet verified
Back to quick facts ↑Cities in Virginia with their own rules
- None listed yet
Nearby states
- District of Columbia landlord law
- Maryland landlord law
- New Jersey landlord law
- North Carolina landlord law
- Ohio landlord law
- Pennsylvania landlord law
- South Carolina landlord law
- West Virginia landlord law
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