Tenant Rights in Virginia: What You Need to Know in 2025

When you rent a home in Tenant Rights in Virginia, the legal protections that define how landlords and renters interact under state law. Also known as Virginia rental tenant protections, these rights cover everything from how much a landlord can raise your rent to when they can walk into your apartment without warning. This isn’t just about fairness—it’s about your safety, your money, and your peace of mind.

Virginia’s rental laws changed significantly in 2025, and many tenants still don’t know what’s now legal. For example, landlords can’t raise rent by more than 5% in a 12-month period without a written notice 60 days ahead. That’s new. Security deposits? They must be returned within 45 days after you move out, with a detailed itemized list if any deductions are made. And if your AC breaks in July? Your landlord has 14 days to fix it—or you can legally pay for it yourself and subtract the cost from your next rent check. These aren’t suggestions. They’re enforceable rules under the Virginia rental laws, the state’s official set of rules governing landlord-tenant relationships.

It’s not just about rent and repairs. Virginia housing grant, state-funded programs that help low-income renters afford safe housing is available if your income falls below certain limits. You might qualify for help with security deposits, utility bills, or even moving costs. And if your landlord tries to lock you out or cut off your heat? That’s illegal. You don’t need a lawyer to know that. The state has a clear process: file a complaint with the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. No guesswork. No jargon. Just steps you can take today.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides based on actual cases and recent legal updates. You’ll read about how rent increases are calculated, what counts as an emergency repair, and how to spot a landlord who’s breaking the law. Some posts even show you how to use public records to check if your building has a history of violations. This isn’t theory. It’s what’s happening right now in Virginia apartments, townhomes, and rentals across Richmond, Alexandria, and beyond.