Virginia Required Landlord Disclosures: Guide 2026
Essential Virginia landlord disclosures. Learn about mold, lead paint, military air zones, and ownership changes required for Virginia rentals in 2026.
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 admission to the Union on June 25, 1788, Virginia has developed a robust legal framework for property rights. Today, the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) mandates specific disclosures to ensure transparency between landlords and tenants. These requirements help protect both parties by clarifying the condition of the property and the legal rights of the inhabitants.
1. The "First-Page" Fee Disclosure (Effective 2024)
Effective July 1, 2024, the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VA Code § 55.1-1204.1) requires landlords to provide a specific fee disclosure statement starting on the first page of the written rental agreement. This itemization ensures that core financial obligations are transparent and immediately visible to the tenant.
2. Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities
Landlords are legally mandated to provide the official Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities to prospective tenants. This form, developed by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) per VA Code § 55.1-1204, must be signed by both the landlord and tenant prior to the effective date of the lease.
3. Mold and Defective Drywall Disclosures
Before the tenant moves in, the landlord must disclose any visible evidence of mold in the unit as part of the written report of the condition of the premises (VA Code § 55.1-1215).
- The landlord cannot collect rent if they fail to remediate visible mold after being notified.
- Landlords must also disclose if the property contains defective drywall of which they have actual knowledge (VA Code § 55.1-1218).
4. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (Federal)
For properties built before 1978, landlords must comply with federal law (42 U.S.C. § 4852d) by providing a Lead-Based Paint Disclosure and the EPA-approved pamphlet "Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home." Failure to provide this disclosure can result in significant civil penalties and tenant termination rights.
5. Military Air Installation Proximity
If the rental property is located in a designated "noise zone" or "accident potential zone" surrounding a military air installation, the landlord must provide an official, written disclosure to the tenant outlining the risks before the lease is signed (VA Code § 55.1-1217).
6. Signed Lease Copies
It is surprisingly common for tenants to never receive a copy of their fully executed lease. Virginia law explicitly requires landlords to provide tenants with a signed copy of the lease agreement within 10 business days of its effective date (VA Code § 55.1-1204).
Digitize Your Pre-Lease Flow
Managing the updated 2025 Statement of Tenant Rights alongside custom mold addenda and military base proximity notices creates a brittle onboarding puzzle. Landager binds every required Virginia disclosure directly into the digital application flow. Our e-signature pipeline guarantees that a signed copy is delivered to the tenant's portal instantaneously upon execution, keeping you legally compliant without manual data entry.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
▶What disclosures must Virginia landlords provide to tenants?
Virginia landlords must provide certain disclosures to tenants before or at the time of lease signing. Common required disclosures include lead-based paint hazards (for pre-1978 buildings, a federal requirement), the identity of the landlord or property manager, and any known material defects in the property. Additional state-specific disclosures may include flood risk, mold hazards, and environmental conditions.
▶What are the Virginia landlord-tenant laws every property owner should know?
The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) establishes a structured, highly regulated framework for residential leasing in the Commonwealth. While historically viewed as landlord-friendly due to its lack of rent control, recent legislative sessions (2024 and 2025) have introduced significant new tenant protections, fee transparency, and eviction diversion programs. This guide covers the essential compliance requirements for property owners and landlords.
Read the complete guide▶What is the Virginia eviction process and how long does it take?
The Virginia eviction process requires landlords to provide written notice to tenants before filing a court action. The type and length of notice depends on the reason for eviction — typically shorter for non-payment of rent and longer for lease violations or no-fault terminations. Self-help evictions (changing locks, removing belongings, shutting off utilities) are illegal in Virginia. The full court process varies but typically takes several weeks.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Virginia security deposit rules and return deadlines?
Virginia has specific rules governing how much landlords can charge for security deposits, how deposits must be held, and the deadline for returning deposits after a tenant moves out. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of any deductions made from the deposit. Failure to comply with deposit return deadlines can result in penalties and the forfeiture of the landlord's right to claim deductions.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Virginia rent increase laws and caps for landlords?
Virginia has specific rules governing when and how landlords can increase rent. During a fixed-term lease, rent generally cannot be increased unless the lease explicitly allows it. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide proper written notice before an increase takes effect. Check whether Virginia has any local rent control ordinances that may impose additional caps or requirements.
Read the complete guide▶What is the grace period for late rent in Virginia?
Virginia has specific rules regarding grace periods for late rent and the amount that can be charged as a late fee. Late fee provisions must be stated in the lease agreement, and fees must be reasonable. Check Virginia state law and any applicable local ordinances for the exact grace period and late fee limits that apply to your rental property.
Read the complete guide▶What are the Virginia lease requirements for rental properties?
Virginia recognizes both written and oral leases, though written leases are strongly recommended for terms longer than one year. Lease agreements should include the rent amount, payment due date, security deposit terms, maintenance responsibilities, and rules regarding entry, pets, and subletting. Certain lease clauses that waive tenant statutory rights may be void and unenforceable under Virginia law.
Read the complete guide▶What are Virginia landlord maintenance obligations and habitability standards?
Virginia landlords must maintain rental properties in a condition that is fit for habitation and complies with applicable building, housing, and health codes. This includes maintaining structural integrity, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, electrical systems, and pest control. Tenants typically have the right to request repairs in writing, and if repairs are not made within a reasonable time, tenants may have legal remedies available.
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