Virginia Landlord-Tenant Law: manage Guide 2026
manage Virginia landlord-tenant law with our 2026 guide. Cover VRLTA regulations, security deposits, eviction rules, and landlord rights in Virginia.
Legal Disclaimer
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Laws change frequently — always verify current regulations and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice specific to your situation. Landager is a property management platform, not a law firm.Information last verified: May 2026.
Since its statehood in 1788, Virginia has developed a comprehensive legal framework. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) (VA Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.) establishes a structured, highly regulated framework for residential leasing in the Commonwealth. As of 2024, the VRLTA applies to all residential tenancies in Virginia, regardless of the number of units owned by the landlord.
Key Virginia Rental Laws at a Glance
2024-2025 VRLTA Legislative Updates
Virginia has aggressively updated the VRLTA to focus on transparency and eviction reduction:
- Fee Disclosure Statement: Landlords must provide a separate fee disclosure statement to a prospective tenant before the tenant signs a rental agreement or pays any money (including a security deposit). This statement must include all nonrefundable, refundable, and recurring fees, as well as security deposit requirements.
- Processing Fees: Landlords can no longer charge tenants a "convenience" or processing fee to pay rent or deposits unless they also offer at least one free alternative payment method.
- Eviction Records Expungement: Virginia courts now automatically expunge eviction records for cases that were dismissed over 30 days ago, directly impacting landlord screening software.
- Statement of Tenant Rights: Landlords are mandated to provide a newly updated Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities to all tenants.
Security Deposits
Virginia caps security deposits at two months' periodic rent. However, if a landlord requires as a condition of tenancy that a tenant have renter's insurance, the landlord shall not require the tenant to provide a security deposit in an amount or value in excess of one month's periodic rent. Landlords have 45 days to return the deposit and an itemized list of deductions.
For more detail, see our Security Deposits guide.
Eviction & The Diversion Program
For non-payment of rent, a landlord is not required to issue a 5-Day Notice to Pay or Quit before filing an unlawful detainer. However, if an unlawful detainer is filed, the tenant has the right of redemption. This allows the tenant to pay all rent due, late fees, reasonable attorney fees, and court costs at any time prior to the entry of an order of possession and money judgment to redeem possession of the dwelling unit. For other lease violations, a 21/30 notice (21 days to cure, 30 days to quit) is standard. Furthermore, an Eviction Diversion Program is expanding statewide in 2025, offering court-ordered payment plans to help tenants avoid a final judgment of possession.
For more detail, see our Eviction Process guide.
Rent Control & Rent Increases
Virginia currently has no statewide rent control and generally prohibits localities from enacting it. However, 2025 proposed legislation aims to allow certain localities to limit rent increases and establish anti-gouging boards, making this a highly volatile area of law to watch.
For more detail, see our Rent Increases guide.
Additional Compliance Focus Areas
Explore our targeted guides for managing residential property in Virginia:
How Landager Helps
Landager tracks lease terms, security deposit deadlines, and maintenance requests - making it easy to stay compliant with Virginia regulations.
Sources & Official References
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