IL
IntelligentLandlord
HomeState LawsVirginia
Neutral · Rank #34 of 51

Virginia
Landlord Laws
2026 Complete Guide

Everything a landlord needs to know about Virginia law — eviction process, security deposits, entry rights, rent control status, and local court resources.

5
out of 10 · Neutral
📋
Notice Period
5 days
⏱️
Full Eviction
~55 days
💰
Deposit Max
2 months
🔑
Entry Notice
24 hrs
💳
Late Fee Cap
10%
Rent Control
No
Live Market Data · RentCast

Virginia Rental Market

Current rents by bedroom · top metro breakdowns · YoY trend

Mar 29, 2026
1 Bedroom
$1,539
2 Bedrooms
$1,793
3 Bedrooms
$2,650
YoY Trend
-2.7%
Days on Market
52d
Richmond S
23224
1BR$1,208
2BR$1,300
3BR$1,800
YoY
-1.7%
DOM
64.08d
Listings
184
Alexandria
22304
1BR$1,869
2BR$2,285
3BR$3,500
YoY
-3.8%
DOM
39.77d
Listings
280

Virginia Eviction Process

Complete timeline for removing a non-paying or violating tenant in Virginia

01
Serve Notice
5-day written notice for non-payment of rent. Must be delivered personally or posted on door.
02
File Complaint
If tenant fails to pay or vacate after 5 days, file an eviction complaint at your local court. Filing fee: $25–$75.
03
Court Hearing
Hearing typically scheduled 7–14 days after filing. Bring your lease, all notices, rent ledger, and any communications with the tenant.
04
Judgment & Possession
If you win, the court issues a judgment for possession. Tenant typically has 24–72 hours to vacate. If not, obtain a writ of possession.
ESTIMATED TOTAL TIMELINE
5d
Filing + Hearing (14d)
7d
Writ (29d)
Average total: 55 days from notice to possession. US average is ~50 days.

Security Deposit Rules

Virginia security deposit laws, limits, and return requirements

💰
Maximum Deposit
2 months
Per current statutes
📅
Return Deadline
14–45 days
After tenant vacates
📋
Itemization Required
Yes
Written itemization of deductions
📈
Interest Required
No
Required in some high-reg states

Rights & Responsibilities

What both parties are entitled to under Virginia law

✅ Landlord Rights
No rent control
Can require renters insurance
⚖️ Tenant Rights
Habitability
Repair & deduct
Right to cure (VRLTA)

Required Disclosures

Items you must disclose to tenants in Virginia before or at lease signing

📄 Lead paint
📄 Move-in inspection
📄 Mold (visible)

Rent Control Status

Virginia rent increase and rent control laws

No Rent Control in Virginia
Virginia has no statewide rent control law. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice (typically 30 days for month-to-month, or at lease end for fixed terms). Late fees are subject to a cap: 10%.

Virginia Landlord FAQs

Common questions answered — also powers Google rich results

How long does eviction take in Virginia?+
The average eviction timeline in Virginia is 55 days from notice to possession. The pay-or-quit notice period is 5 days. Filing fee is $25–$75.
What is the security deposit limit in Virginia?+
In Virginia, the security deposit maximum is 2 months. Landlords must return the deposit with an itemized statement of deductions.
Does Virginia have rent control?+
No. Virginia has no statewide rent control. You can raise rents by any amount with proper notice — typically 30 days for month-to-month tenancies.
How much entry notice is required in Virginia?+
Landlords in Virginia must provide at least 24 hours written notice before entering a rental unit.

Compare Similar States

States with comparable landlord-friendliness scores

Alaska
6
45d eviction · 2 months
Colorado
4
60d eviction · None (return in 30 days)
Delaware
5
60d eviction · 1 month (after 1yr)
Illinois
4
60d eviction · None (Chicago varies)
← All StatesEviction Resources →