Virginia tax office: What you need to know about rental income, property taxes, and landlord rules

When you own rental property in Virginia, a U.S. state with specific tax and landlord regulations that impact property owners and tenants. Also known as the Commonwealth of Virginia, it enforces rules through agencies like the Virginia tax office, the state agency responsible for collecting and enforcing income, property, and rental taxes that directly affect how much you pay—or earn—on your rentals. If you’re collecting rent, you’re paying taxes. If you’re renting, you’re protected by laws that even some landlords don’t fully understand.

The Virginia tax office, the state body that tracks rental income, property assessments, and business tax filings doesn’t just send bills—it shapes how you run your business. Rental income in Virginia is taxable, and you can’t just ignore it. You must report it on both federal and state returns. But here’s the thing: you’re not stuck with a big bill. You can deduct repairs, property management fees, insurance, and even depreciation. Many landlords miss these deductions because they assume the tax office doesn’t care. It does. And it audits.

It’s not just about money. The Virginia tax office, the state agency that works with local governments to enforce rental compliance ties into other rules like rental licenses, tenant rights, and eviction procedures. For example, if you sell a rental property, your tenant’s lease doesn’t vanish. The new owner inherits it. And if you’re in Fairfax County, you might also be bound by the affordable housing ordinance, a local rule requiring developers to include low-income units or pay into a housing fund. That’s not a suggestion. That’s the law.

There’s a big gap between what landlords think they need to do and what the Virginia tax office actually requires. Some think they can skip reporting rent if they don’t get a 1099. They’re wrong. Others think they can evict anyone who’s late on rent. They’re risking fines. The truth? The system is simple if you know the rules. The Virginia tax office doesn’t make it hard on purpose—it’s just that most people don’t look until it’s too late.

You’ll find posts here that break down exactly what you need to know: how to file rental income in Virginia, what happens when your tenant moves out, how to handle security deposits, and whether you can sell a property while someone’s still living there. You’ll also see what’s happening in places like Fairfax County, where housing rules are tightening. And you’ll learn why some landlords are shifting from apartments to storage units—because the tax and regulation landscape is changing fast.

This isn’t about guesswork. It’s about knowing what the Virginia tax office expects, what your rights are as a renter or owner, and how to avoid costly mistakes before they happen. Below, you’ll find real, up-to-date guides written for people who just want to do it right—without hiring a lawyer for every small decision.