Virginia Tenant Rights: What You Can and Can't Do as a Renter

When you rent a home in Virginia, a U.S. state with specific landlord-tenant laws that protect renters’ ability to live safely and without sudden displacement. Also known as Virginia rental law, it gives tenants clear rights around leases, repairs, deposits, and what happens when a landlord sells the property. Unlike some states, Virginia doesn’t require landlords to provide a written lease—but if one exists, it’s legally binding. That means if your lease says you can stay for 12 months, your landlord can’t kick you out early just because they found a better offer.

One of the biggest concerns for renters in Virginia is what happens when the landlord decides to sell the rental property, a common scenario where the new owner must honor the existing lease unless it’s a month-to-month agreement. Your lease doesn’t disappear just because the house changes hands. You still pay rent, still get repairs, and still have the right to stay until the lease ends. But here’s the catch: if you’re on a month-to-month rental, the landlord only needs 30 days’ notice to end the tenancy—even if they’re selling. And if they do sell, your security deposit, a sum of money held by the landlord to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear. must be transferred to the new owner or returned to you within 45 days after you move out.

Virginia also has strict rules about repairs. If your heater breaks in winter or the roof leaks during a storm, you can’t just stop paying rent. But you can send a written notice demanding repairs. If the landlord ignores it for 21 days, you have the right to pay for the fix yourself and deduct the cost from your rent—up to half a month’s rent, and only once every 12 months. No guesswork. No threats. Just documented proof and a paper trail.

Evictions in Virginia aren’t quick. Landlords can’t lock you out, turn off utilities, or remove your stuff—even if you’re late on rent. They must file a court case, serve you papers, and win a judgment. Even then, only a sheriff can remove you. That’s your safety net. And if your landlord tries to retaliate—like raising your rent after you complained about mold—that’s illegal under Virginia law.

And don’t forget: rental income is taxable in Virginia, but that’s the landlord’s problem—not yours. Your job is to know your space, your lease, and your rights. Whether you’re in Richmond, Norfolk, or a small town in the Shenandoah Valley, these rules apply statewide. You don’t need a lawyer to understand them—you just need to know where to look.

Below, you’ll find real answers from renters who’ve faced these exact issues: landlords selling homes, deposit disputes, repair delays, and what to do when the notice comes. No theory. No fluff. Just what actually happens in Virginia rental units—and how to protect yourself.