Tenant Rulebook
General information from state law and official guides, not legal advice. Cities and counties can add their own rules.

All states

Landlord and tenant rules in Virginia

The statewide rules on deposits, notice, entry and rent in Virginia, mainly from the Code of Virginia title 55.1, chapter 12. Checked 29 October 2026.

Security deposits and fees

Security deposit limit

2 months' rent1Va. Code 55.1-1226(A)

A security deposit may not exceed two months' rent.

Deposit return deadline

45 days1Va. Code 55.1-1226(A)

The landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized list of deductions, within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant moves out, whichever is later.

Interest on deposits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Late fees

Lesser of 10% of rent or 10% of balance2Va. Code 55.1-1204(E)

A late fee may not exceed 10% of the periodic rent or 10% of the unpaid balance, whichever is less.

Notice, entry and rent

Tenant ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days3Va. Code 55.1-1253

A month-to-month tenancy can be ended with written notice at least 30 days before the next rent due date, unless the lease says otherwise. Week-to-week tenancies need 7 days.

Landlord ending a month-to-month tenancy

30 days3Va. Code 55.1-1253

A landlord must give the same 30 days' written notice before the next rent due date, unless the lease sets a different period.

Notice of a rent increase

60 days before lease ends (landlords with more than 4 units), 90 days from July 1, 20272Va. Code 55.1-1204(K)

Landlords with more than four rental units must give written notice of a rent increase for a renewal term at least 60 days before the lease ends, rising to 90 days from July 1, 2027. The rule does not cover month-to-month tenancies created when a lease runs out.

Statewide rent limits

Not yet confirmed

We have not confirmed this from an official source, so we show no figure.

Landlord entry

72 hours for routine maintenance4Va. Code 55.1-1229

The landlord must give notice and enter at reasonable times, with at least 72 hours' notice for routine maintenance the tenant did not request.

Notice for unpaid rent

14 days5Va. Code 55.1-1245(F)

If rent is unpaid, the landlord can end the lease when the tenant does not pay within 14 days after written notice.

Many cities and counties add their own rules, such as rent stabilization or longer notice periods, and a lease can give a tenant more protection than the law requires. Check your local housing office or a legal aid group before you act.

Sources

  1. Va. Code 55.1-1226, Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information System, 2026-10-28official
  2. Va. Code 55.1-1204, Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information Systemofficial
  3. Va. Code 55.1-1253, Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information Systemofficial
  4. Va. Code 55.1-1229, Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information Systemofficial
  5. Va. Code 55.1-1245, Virginia General Assembly, Legislative Information Systemofficial

"Secondary" sources reproduce the official text. We use them only where the official site could not be read.