Landlord Tips Virginia: Essential Rules and Rights for Renting in Virginia

When you own rental property in Virginia, a U.S. state with clear landlord-tenant laws that favor both sides if followed correctly. Also known as the Commonwealth of Virginia, it’s one of the few states where landlords can’t raise rent during a fixed lease—but they can after it expires, as long as they give 30 days’ notice. Being a landlord here isn’t about pushing tenants out. It’s about knowing the rules so you protect your investment and avoid lawsuits.

One of the biggest mistakes landlords make is ignoring the security deposit, a refundable amount collected at move-in to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear. Also known as tenant deposit, it must be returned within 45 days after the tenant moves out—or you risk paying them double the amount, plus court fees. Virginia law requires you to give a written itemized list of deductions if you keep any part of it. No list? No deduction. Simple as that. And don’t even think about mixing it with your personal money—it has to be held in a separate account.

Another key area is property tax, an annual fee based on your rental property’s assessed value, which can be reduced if you qualify for senior or disability exemptions. Also known as real estate tax, it’s not something you can ignore—late payments mean penalties, liens, or even foreclosure. If you’re over 65 or disabled, you might qualify for a tax freeze or deferral. That doesn’t mean you don’t pay—it means you delay until you sell or pass away. Either way, file the paperwork. Many landlords miss this and overpay by hundreds every year.

Virginia doesn’t cap rent increases, but it does require you to follow your lease terms exactly. If you signed a one-year lease at $1,500/month, you can’t raise it to $1,700 halfway through. Wait until renewal. And don’t retaliate against tenants who complain about repairs—Virginia law protects them from eviction or rent hikes for reporting code violations. That includes broken heat in winter, mold, or pest infestations. Fix it fast, or you’ll pay more later.

There’s no state-wide rent control, but cities like Alexandria and Arlington have their own rules. Always check local ordinances. And while you’re at it, know your eviction process. You can’t just change the locks or turn off utilities. You need a court order. Skipping steps means you could be sued for trespassing or illegal eviction—even if the tenant stopped paying.

What you’ll find below are real, tested landlord tips from Virginia rental situations: how to screen tenants without breaking fair housing laws, how to handle late rent without triggering a dispute, what repairs you must make and what you can pass to the tenant, and how to use the 45-day deposit rule to your advantage. These aren’t theoretical rules—they’re the exact things that keep landlords out of court and their cash flow steady.