$300 Rent Increase Virginia: What You Need to Know

When your rent jumps by $300 in Virginia, it’s not just a number—it’s a life change. Under Virginia law, landlords can raise rent at the end of a lease term without needing a reason, but they must give at least 30 days’ written notice. If you’re on a month-to-month lease, that 30-day window is your lifeline. This isn’t about greed—it’s about legal boundaries, tenant protections, and knowing when to push back. A rent increase of this size often triggers questions about affordability, deposit refunds, and whether the landlord is following state rules.

Virginia doesn’t cap rent increases, so a $300 jump might be legal even if it feels extreme. But here’s what most people miss: the increase must apply to everyone equally, and it can’t be retaliatory. If you recently complained about repairs or asked for a lease renewal, that spike could be illegal. Landlords also can’t raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless it’s written into the contract. And if your rent goes up, your security deposit, the money landlords hold to cover damages, capped at two months’ rent in Virginia can’t be increased mid-lease. If your landlord tries to demand more deposit money after a rent hike, that’s a violation. You also have rights if they fail to return your deposit within 45 days after you move out—Virginia law requires a written itemized list of deductions, or they owe you double what they kept.

Many tenants assume rent hikes are unavoidable, but that’s not true. You can negotiate. Ask for a breakdown of costs—property taxes, insurance, maintenance. If your building hasn’t been upgraded in years, challenge the increase. Some cities in Virginia have local tenant advocacy groups that offer free legal help. And if you’re over 65 or on a fixed income, you might qualify for property tax relief programs that indirectly ease rent pressure. Landlords aren’t immune to market shifts either; if vacancies rise, they may lower rent to fill units. The key is acting before the notice expires.

Below, you’ll find real advice from tenants and landlords who’ve been through this. Learn how to spot illegal rent hikes, what to say when you get a notice, and how to protect your deposit. These aren’t theoretical guides—they’re steps people in Virginia have taken to keep their homes.