Virginia Eviction Law 2025: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

When it comes to Virginia eviction law 2025, the legal process landlords must follow to remove a tenant from a rental property in Virginia, including notice requirements, court procedures, and tenant protections. Also known as Virginia landlord-tenant law, it’s not just about removing someone—it’s about fairness, timing, and legal compliance. If you’re a tenant worried about being pushed out, or a landlord trying to do things right, the rules changed in 2025—and ignoring them can cost you big time.

One of the biggest shifts in Virginia eviction law 2025, the legal framework governing how rental disputes are handled in Virginia is the extended notice period for non-payment of rent. Landlords now must give at least 14 days’ notice before filing an eviction case, up from 5 days in prior years. That’s not just paperwork—it’s breathing room. If you’re behind on rent, you have time to negotiate, apply for Virginia housing assistance, state-funded programs that help low-income renters pay rent and avoid eviction, or even find a temporary job. On the flip side, if you’re a landlord, this means you can’t rush the process. Jumping straight to lockouts or cutting utilities? That’s illegal and can lead to fines or even counter-suits.

Another key piece of the puzzle is tenant rights Virginia, the legal protections granted to renters during eviction proceedings, including the right to a court hearing and protection against retaliatory eviction. In 2025, Virginia strengthened these protections. Landlords can’t evict someone just because they complained about unsafe conditions, requested repairs, or joined a tenants’ union. Courts now require landlords to prove the eviction isn’t retaliatory. And if a tenant can show they applied for rental aid before the eviction notice was filed, the court must pause the case while the application is reviewed. This isn’t theory—it’s happening in courtrooms across Richmond, Norfolk, and Arlington every week.

Let’s not forget the court process itself. Eviction cases in Virginia are handled in General District Court, and they move fast—sometimes within 21 days of filing. But tenants now have the right to request a continuance for legal help, and legal aid services are more accessible than ever. You don’t need a lawyer to show up in court, but having one can mean the difference between staying in your home or losing it. Many counties now offer free legal clinics for renters facing eviction.

What does all this mean for you? If you’re a renter in Virginia, know your rights before you get a notice. Keep records of every payment, every repair request, every conversation. If you’re a landlord, don’t try to shortcut the process. Follow the law, document everything, and give tenants a real chance to fix issues before going to court. The 2025 updates weren’t made to make life harder—they were made to make it fairer.

Below, you’ll find real cases, legal breakdowns, and practical guides that show exactly how Virginia’s eviction rules play out in everyday situations—from a single mom in Fredericksburg fighting a wrongful notice to a small property owner in Roanoke learning how to file correctly. These aren’t abstract laws. They’re daily realities. And understanding them could save your home, your business, or your peace of mind.