Virginia Landlord Tenant Law: What Tenants and Landlords Must Know

When dealing with Virginia landlord tenant law, you’re looking at Virginia’s landlord‑tenant statutes, the legal framework that balances renters’ rights and owners’ duties. Also called VA rental law, it governs everything from lease terms to dispute resolution, and it’s the backbone of everyday rental relationships in the Commonwealth.

One of the core pillars is tenant rights, protections such as habitability, privacy, and safeguards against retaliatory eviction. These rights intersect directly with the rules on security deposits, the upfront money a landlord can collect, how it must be held in a separate account, and the 30‑day return window after a lease ends. Together they shape the eviction process, the step‑by‑step legal procedure a landlord must follow to remove a tenant, including notice periods, court filings, and the tenant’s right to a hearing. Understanding these three entities helps both parties avoid costly disputes and stay compliant.

Beyond rights and deposits, rental agreements, the written contracts that outline rent amounts, lease length, and responsibilities of each side are crucial. Virginia law requires clear language on maintenance duties, meaning landlords must keep the property safe and livable, while tenants must report issues promptly. Recent 2025 amendments added stricter timelines for fixing essential services and expanded the definition of “unlawful entry.” These updates tighten the link between landlord obligations and tenant protections, reinforcing the overall balance of the legal system.

Below you’ll find a curated collection of articles that dive deeper into each of these topics. Whether you’re a renter trying to safeguard your deposit, a landlord needing to master eviction notices, or anyone curious about the latest legislative tweaks, the posts ahead break down the rules, share real‑world examples, and give actionable tips you can apply right away. Explore the breadth of coverage and pick up the insights that matter most to your situation.