Virginia Landlord Rules: What Every Landlord and Tenant Must Know

If you rent or own a rental property in Virginia, you’ve probably heard the term “landlord rules.” It’s not jargon – it’s the set of laws that tell you what you can and can’t do. Getting these basics right saves you money, avoids lawsuits, and keeps the relationship with your tenants smooth.

Virginia’s rules cover everything from how you write a lease to how much you can raise the rent. Below you’ll find the most common questions and the straight‑forward answers you need to stay on the right side of the law.

Key Lease Types and Notice Requirements

The most popular lease in Virginia is a fixed‑term lease – usually one year. When the term ends, you can let the lease roll over or ask the tenant to move out with proper notice. If you prefer more flexibility, a month‑to‑month lease works too. The Month to Month Lease Agreements in Virginia article breaks down the exact wording you should use.

For a month‑to‑month agreement, you must give at least 30 days written notice before changing any term, including rent. The notice has to be delivered in a way the tenant can prove – hand‑delivery, certified mail, or email with a read receipt works.

When you start a new lease, make sure the contract lists the rent amount, due date, late fee (if any), and the landlord’s right to enter the property. Virginia law says you need at least 24‑hour notice before entering, unless it’s an emergency.

Rent Increase Limits and Other Must‑Know Rules

Virginia does not have statewide rent control, so you can raise rent as long as you follow the notice rules. For a fixed‑term lease, you can only change the rent when the lease ends. For a month‑to‑month lease, give the tenant a 30‑day written notice of any increase.

The increase itself can be any amount, but it must be reasonable. If a tenant thinks your raise is excessive, they can challenge it in court. To avoid disputes, explain why you’re raising the rent – maybe property taxes went up, or you made a major repair.

Other common rules include:

• Security deposits: You can ask for up to two months’ rent. Return it within 45 days after the tenant moves out, minus any lawful deductions.
• Late fees: Late fees must be reasonable and specified in the lease. A flat fee of $25‑$30 is typical.
• Maintenance: Landlords must keep the property safe and livable. If you delay repairs after proper notice, tenants can withhold rent or even repair and deduct the cost.

Virginia also protects tenants from illegal eviction. You cannot kick a tenant out without a court order, even if they’re behind on rent. Follow the proper eviction process – notice, court filing, and a sheriff’s writ if needed.

For a deeper dive on what Virginia landlords cannot do, check out the VA Landlord Tenant Laws guide. It lists prohibited actions like changing locks without notice and entering the unit without consent.

Staying compliant is mostly about keeping good records and communicating clearly. Save copies of all notices, lease agreements, and repair requests. When both parties know what’s expected, everything runs smoother.

Bottom line: understand the lease type you’re using, give proper notice for any changes, and respect the tenant’s right to a safe home. Follow these rules, and you’ll avoid most legal headaches while running a successful rental business in Virginia.