How much notice does a landlord have to give before entering a rental in Virginia?
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.
Virginia requires notice of intent to enter, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency. At least 72 hours' notice is required for routine maintenance the tenant didn't request.
Worked example for Virginia
Example: You want to do routine maintenance the tenant didn't request, at 10 a.m. on June 12, 2026. At least 72 hours' notice is due by 10 a.m. on June 9, 2026, and you may enter only at reasonable times. For other entry, the statute requires notice of intent to enter and entry at reasonable times, except in an emergency.
Virginia timelines and limits
Notice
Notice of intent to enter, except in an emergency
Timing
Reasonable times only
Unrequested routine maintenance
At least 72 hours' notice
Virginia FAQ
How much notice does a Virginia landlord have to give before entering?
Notice of intent to enter, and entry only at reasonable times, except in an emergency, under Va. Code § 55.1-1229(A)(4). At least 72 hours' notice is required for routine maintenance the tenant didn't request.
When is 72 hours' notice required?
For routine maintenance the tenant didn't request.
This is general information, not legal advice. The verified rule and official sources above control. Check the source or a local attorney for your situation.
Related Virginia rules
Lockouts and utility shutoffs
If a landlord willfully and without court authority locks out a tenant, interrupts an essential service, or makes the premises unsafe, the tenant can petition the general district court. A hearing is held within 5 calendar days, and the court can order possession or service restored.
A landlord may not raise rent, cut services, sue or threaten to sue for possession, or end a periodic tenancy after learning that the tenant complained to a code agency, complained or sued under the Act, joined a tenant organization, or testified against the landlord. Market-rate increases and service changes applied to all tenants are allowed.
For serious conditions such as no heat, water or electricity, rodents, or lead paint, the tenant can give written notice and, if the landlord doesn't fix it within a reasonable time, pay rent into court escrow (§ 55.1-1244). If an essential service is willfully or negligently not supplied, the tenant can recover reduced rental value or get substitute housing rent-free (§ 55.1-1239).
Cities and counties may adopt rental inspection ordinances to check rental units against the Building Code, but only inside designated rental inspection districts (or for individual units with violations); locality-wide districts aren't allowed. Owners must notify the building department that a unit is rented, with no registration or fee for that notice. A unit that passes gets at least a four-year exemption.
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