New Rental Regulations in Virginia: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

When it comes to renting in Virginia, new rental regulations, updated state laws that control how landlords and tenants interact, including rent hikes, notice periods, and deposit rules. Also known as Virginia rental law reforms, these changes are reshaping the day-to-day reality for thousands of renters and property owners across the state. If you’re paying rent or collecting it, you need to know what’s different now. These aren’t minor tweaks—they’re full updates to how leases are written, how much notice you must give before raising rent, and what happens when a tenant falls behind.

One major shift is in rent increase limits, the legal cap on how much a landlord can raise rent in a year, with new rules requiring 60 days’ notice and restricting hikes to no more than 10% annually in most cases. Also known as Virginia rent control guidelines, this directly affects affordable housing Virginia, the system of low-cost rentals supported by state programs and income-based eligibility. Also known as low income housing Virginia, it’s now tied more tightly to these new caps, meaning more families can stay in their homes without sudden financial shocks. On the flip side, landlord obligations Virginia, the legal duties landlords must meet, like timely repairs, safe living conditions, and proper deposit returns. Also known as Virginia landlord duties, have been strengthened too. Landlords now have to provide written reasons if they deny a deposit return—and they have only 45 days to do it, down from 60. And if you’re a tenant, you can’t be locked out for missing one payment. Virginia now requires a court order before eviction can even start.

These rules didn’t come out of nowhere. They’re a response to rising rents, housing shortages, and a wave of complaints from renters who felt powerless. The state listened—and now there’s real accountability. Whether you’re signing a new lease, dealing with a rent hike, or wondering why your deposit is being held, these regulations give you clear rights and clear timelines. You’re not just a name on a lease anymore—you’re protected by law.

Below, you’ll find real examples of how these rules play out in practice—from how a single mom in Richmond fought back against an illegal rent spike, to how a landlord in Arlington adjusted his rental strategy to stay compliant. These aren’t theory pieces. They’re stories from people living under these new rules every day.