As a Virginia landlord, understanding landlord-tenant laws is crucial. Ignorance or negligence can lead to costly legal issues. Partnering with a professional property management team can ensure compliance and make your rental journey much smoother.
Virginia’s Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA) provides the legal framework for residential tenancies, outlining the rights and responsibilities of landlords and tenants. This law applies once a lease is established—either verbally, in writing, or if rent is accepted.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of Virginia landlord-tenant law to help you avoid disputes and stay compliant.
Required Landlord Disclosures in Virginia
Before a tenant moves in, landlords must provide the following disclosures:
- Lead-based paint information for homes built before 1978.
- Move-in checklist detailing the unit’s inventory and condition.
- Rights and responsibilities of the tenant under the lease.
- Total rent and other potential costs.
- Name and address of the property owner and manager (if any).
- Location within any ordinances or zoning restrictions.
- Information about defective drywall or mold.
- Disclosure if the property was previously used to manufacture meth.
- Utility payment formulas if shared.
- Notification if the unit will be demolished during the lease term.
Providing these disclosures helps prevent legal disputes and builds trust with your tenants.
Virginia Tenants’ Rights & Responsibilities
Once a lease is in place, tenants in Virginia have the right to:
- Occupy livable premises.
- Be treated fairly under the Fair Housing Act.
- Receive proper notice before termination of a periodic tenancy.
- Experience lawful eviction procedures.
- Obtain their security deposit refund, minus allowable deductions, within 45 days.
- Break the lease for legally justifiable reasons, such as domestic violence.
- Receive at least 72 hours’ notice before landlord entry.
Tenants are responsible for:
- Maintaining a clean and habitable home.
- Keeping plumbing and facilities sanitary.
- Paying rent and utilities on time.
- Avoiding damage or disturbances.
- Not tampering with smoke or carbon monoxide detectors.
- Notifying landlords before breaking the lease.
- Following lease policies, including pet rules.
Landlords’ Rights & Responsibilities in Virginia
Virginia landlords have the right to:
- Charge tenants for unjustified lease breaks.
- Adjust rent amounts according to the lease terms.
- Enter the property with 72 hours’ notice for inspections, repairs, or emergencies.
- Collect security deposits up to two months’ rent.
- Terminate periodic tenancies with proper notice.
- Evict tenants who violate lease terms.
Landlords must also:
- Make necessary repairs within 14–21 days of notification.
- Handle security deposits per state law.
- Re-rent units if tenants break the lease unjustifiably.
- Notify tenants of rent increases in advance (30 days for month-to-month, 7 days for weekly).
- Comply with anti-discrimination rules.
- Provide all required disclosures.
Additional Key Virginia Landlord-Tenant Laws
Landlord’s Right to Entry
Landlords can enter a rental for repairs, maintenance, or emergencies, but must provide at least 72 hours’ notice unless it’s an emergency.
Housing Discrimination
Virginia landlords must treat tenants fairly regardless of race, color, religion, disability, familial status, sex, nationality, or age. Enforcement is handled by the Fair Housing Board.
Rent Increases
Virginia has no rent control. Landlords must notify tenants before raising rent: 30 days for month-to-month leases, 7 days for weekly rentals.
Security Deposits
The maximum security deposit is two months’ rent. Landlords must return deposits within 45 days of the tenant moving out.
Conclusion
Understanding Virginia landlord-tenant laws is essential for a smooth rental experience. From disclosures to security deposits, the VRLTA ensures both landlords and tenants know their rights and responsibilities.
For expert guidance and hassle-free property management, Century 21 Accent Homes Property Management provides comprehensive services that maximize your ROI while keeping you fully compliant. Contact us today to learn more!