Landlord in Virginia

Being a landlord in Virginia, a property owner who rents out residential or commercial space under state-specific legal rules. Also known as a rental property owner, it means you’re responsible for maintenance, legal compliance, and tenant relations—all while navigating Virginia’s unique housing laws. Unlike some states, Virginia doesn’t require a special license to be a landlord, but that doesn’t mean you’re free to do whatever you want. The law is clear: your rights and responsibilities are tightly tied to your tenant’s rights.

One of the biggest things landlords in Virginia deal with is rental income tax Virginia, the state’s requirement to report and pay taxes on rental earnings. You can deduct repairs, property taxes, insurance, and even depreciation—but only if you keep good records. Miss the filing deadline, and you risk penalties that could cost more than the rent you collected. Then there’s Virginia rental law, the set of rules governing security deposits, eviction notices, and lease terms. For example, your tenant can’t be kicked out without a 30-day notice—even if the lease is up. And if you sell the property? The lease stays in place. Your new buyer inherits the tenant, not the right to break the contract.

Many landlords in Virginia also struggle with tenant rights Virginia, the legal protections that give renters power to demand repairs, challenge unfair fees, or report unsafe conditions. You can’t shut off heat or water to force someone out. You can’t enter without notice unless it’s an emergency. And if a tenant pays rent late, you can’t just lock them out—you have to go through the court system. These aren’t suggestions. They’re enforceable by law.

And if you’re thinking of managing your own property? Virginia rental property management, the day-to-day tasks of collecting rent, screening tenants, handling maintenance, and staying compliant can eat up 10–20 hours a week. That’s why many landlords hire managers—or regret not doing it sooner. The good news? Virginia doesn’t require property managers to be licensed, so you have options. But you still need to know the rules, or you’ll end up in court.

What you’ll find below isn’t a list of generic tips. These are real, tested answers from landlords and tenants who’ve been through it: how to handle a sale without breaking the lease, what deductions actually save you money on taxes, how to screen tenants without violating fair housing laws, and why a 60-day notice isn’t always enough in Virginia. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been renting for years, this collection cuts through the noise and gives you what actually matters.