Virginia Landlord Laws: What Tenants and Owners Need to Know in 2025

When you're a landlord, a person who owns and rents out property in Virginia, or a tenant, someone renting a home or apartment, knowing the rules isn't just helpful—it's required. Virginia’s landlord-tenant laws changed significantly in 2025, affecting everything from how much rent you can raise to how quickly you can evict someone. These aren’t vague guidelines. They’re enforceable legal standards, and ignoring them can cost you money, time, or even your property.

One of the biggest shifts is in security deposits, money collected upfront to cover damages or unpaid rent. Landlords now have stricter limits on how much they can charge—no more than two months’ rent—and must return it within 45 days after the lease ends, with a detailed itemized list of any deductions. If you’re a tenant and your deposit disappears without explanation, you have legal recourse. If you’re a landlord, skipping this step isn’t just rude—it’s illegal.

Another major area is rent increases, the amount a landlord can raise monthly rent. Unlike some states, Virginia doesn’t cap rent hikes between leases. But in 2025, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before raising rent, and the notice must be clear and delivered in person, by mail, or electronically if agreed in the lease. No more surprise bills slipped under the door. Tenants can challenge hikes if they’re retaliatory or discriminatory, and courts are paying closer attention to these claims.

Evictions are another hot topic. Virginia now requires landlords to go through the court system—even for nonpayment of rent. You can’t change locks, turn off utilities, or threaten to remove belongings. The process starts with a formal notice, then a court hearing, and only then, if the judge rules in your favor, can a sheriff enforce the eviction. This protects tenants from harassment but also gives landlords a clear, legal path to reclaim property.

Repair responsibilities are clearly split. Landlords must keep the property safe and habitable—working heat in winter, clean water, no pest infestations. Tenants must report problems in writing and give landlords a reasonable time to fix them. If the landlord ignores serious issues, tenants can legally withhold rent or repair the problem themselves and deduct the cost, as long as they follow the right steps. This isn’t a loophole—it’s a right written into law.

Lease disclosures are now mandatory. Landlords must provide written notice of lead paint in homes built before 1978, mold risks, and any known flooding history. No hiding problems. Transparency is the law. And if you’re renting a unit in a building with more than four units, you’re protected under additional state rules that limit fees and require written leases.

These rules aren’t just about paperwork. They’re about fairness. Whether you own a single-family home in Richmond or manage a small apartment building in Arlington, understanding Virginia landlord laws helps you avoid lawsuits, keep good tenants, and run your business without fear. And if you’re renting, knowing your rights means you won’t be pushed around.

The posts below dive into the exact details: how much you can legally raise rent, what counts as an emergency repair, how to document damage, and what happens if a tenant refuses to leave. No fluff. Just what you need to know—whether you’re signing a lease, handling a dispute, or preparing to sell.