Virginia Renter Rights & Resources

Note: These rights only apply if you fall under the protections of the Virginia Residential Landlord Tenant Act, Sections 55.248 to 56.248.40 of the Virginia Code.

Your Rights in Virginia

  • You have the right to a fair application fee. If your application is rejected and you paid over $32 in application fees, the landlord must provide repayment promptly.
  • You have the right to a fair security deposit. A landlord cannot ask for more than two months rent as a security deposit, and it must be refunded within 45 days of moving out if not deductions are charged. If deductions are charged, they must be accompanied by a detailed, itemized list describing the charges.
  • You have the right to privacy. Your landlord cannot disclose information about you except in certain cases; such as emergencies, subpoenas, or summaries of your payment record (including the amount).
  • You have the right to notification of a change in management/ownership, or change of property for other use. You must be notified within six months if you will be evicted as a result of demolition/rehabilitation of the property, or if it is being changed into an office, hotel, or planned unit development.
  • You have the right to a decent and safe place to live, and a certain level of security. The landlord must ensure that local building and health codes are followed, necessary repairs are made, and routine maintenance is followed.
  • You have the right to proper notice before pesticides are applied to your apartment. The landlord must notify you at least 48 hours in advance.
  • You have the right to proper notice of a rent increase or a decrease in services. If you signed a lease, these changes cannot be made until the lease expires. If you rent from month-to-month, 30 days notice is required. If you rent week-to-week, 7 days notice is necessary.
  • You have the right to a proper eviction notice. If eviction is for not paying rent, then you have 5 days to pay before the landlord is entitled to take you to court. However, if you do not have a lease agreement, you can be evicted for any reason with a 30 days notice.
  • You have the right to speak out. You cannot be punished for complaining about the property or joining a renters association.

Fair Housing

Fair housing is fair opportunity. Laws protect against discrimination based on race, sex, gender, disability, or presence of children under 18. Landlords must offer the same rental price to all applicants interested in a particular property regardless. Some examples of discrimination include: telling a minority couple that a higher deposit is required than a white couple would be offered, or telling one person that units are available and telling the next person they are not. If you believe you are the victim of a housing discrimination, contact the Virginia Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at (800) 669-9777.

Virginia Housing

As a renter in Virginia, you have legal protections under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). These include the right to privacy, a fair application fee and a certain level of security, among others. Click here to learn more about protections under the VRLTA. Federal and state fair housing laws also protect renters from discrimination. Visit the Virginia Fair Housing Office to learn more about protecting yourself from discrimination in the rental process.

Virginia Housing is an organization that provides rental options, education, and resources to renters across the Commonwealth. The guide below offers extensive resources and information on renting in Virginia.

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Virginia Housing Rental Handbook