Landlord-tenant law

Virginia Landlord-Tenant Laws

Security deposit limits, eviction notice periods, lease termination requirements, and late fee rules for Virginia.

Not legal advice. Current as of May 2026. Verify with a local attorney before any compliance decision.

$
Security Deposit Max
2 months' rent
Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A)
↩
Deposit Return Deadline
45 days
Va. Code § 55.1-1226(C)
!
Non-Payment Eviction Notice
5-day notice to pay or quit (after any applicable grace period)
Va. Code § 55.1-1415
✕
Month-to-Month Termination
30 days
Va. Code § 55.1-1253(A)
¢
Late Fee Cap
10% of monthly rent (or 10% of unpaid balance if partial payment made)
Va. Code § 55.1-1204(C)(4)
⏱
Grace Period
5 days
Va. Code § 55.1-1204(C)(4)
Virginia specific notes

Virginia's VRLTA (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) applies statewide. Deposit must be reported to tenant (escrow bank info) within 5 business days. Arlington County and Fairfax County do not have local rent-control ordinances (Virginia preempts local rent control).

FAQ

Common Virginia landlord questions

What is the maximum security deposit in Virginia?+
2 months' rent. Governed by Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A). Deposit must be returned within 45 days after the lease ends.
What notice is required to evict a tenant in Virginia for non-payment of rent?+
5-day notice to pay or quit (after any applicable grace period). Per Va. Code § 55.1-1415. This is the notice period before a landlord can file an eviction lawsuit.
How much notice to end a month-to-month tenancy in Virginia?+
30 days. Per Va. Code § 55.1-1253(A). This applies to no-cause terminations of month-to-month leases.
Are late fees regulated in Virginia?+
10% of monthly rent (or 10% of unpaid balance if partial payment made). Per Va. Code § 55.1-1204(C)(4). Grace period: 5 days. Even where no statutory cap exists, late fees must be reasonable and clearly disclosed in the lease.
References

Authoritative sources for Virginia

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Deposit Limits — All 50
Side-by-side max deposit and return deadlines.
Eviction Notice — All 50
Notice periods for non-payment and termination.
Late Fee Laws — All 50
Caps and grace periods.
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