Rent Increase Notice Virginia: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

When a landlord in Virginia, a U.S. state with specific rental regulations that protect both landlords and tenants wants to raise the rent, they can’t just send a quick text. There’s a legal process—called a rent increase notice, a formal written request to raise rent that must follow state timing and formatting rules—and skipping it can cost them big time. This isn’t about being nice; it’s about following the law. In Virginia, landlords must give at least 30 days’ written notice before increasing rent on a month-to-month lease. If the tenant is under a fixed-term lease, the rent can’t go up until the lease expires—unless the lease says otherwise. No surprise bills. No last-minute demands. Just clear, legal notice.

But here’s what most people miss: Virginia rental laws, a set of rules governing landlord-tenant relationships, including security deposits, evictions, and rent changes don’t cap how much rent can increase. Unlike some states, Virginia doesn’t limit rent hikes to a percentage like 5% or 10%. A landlord could raise rent from $1,200 to $2,000—if they give proper notice. That’s why tenants need to read their lease carefully. If you’re on a fixed-term lease, you’re locked in until it ends. If you’re month-to-month, you have less protection but still have rights. For example, if a landlord fails to return your security deposit, a sum paid upfront to cover damages, which Virginia law requires be returned within 45 days after move-out within 45 days, you can sue for double the amount. That’s not a rumor—it’s in the code.

Landlords, don’t assume your tenant will just accept a rent hike. A poorly written notice can lead to disputes, delays, or even legal action. The notice must be in writing, clearly state the new rent amount, and give the correct number of days. No vague emails. No hand-written notes on a napkin. Use a template. Keep a copy. And never retaliate—raising rent because a tenant complained about repairs is illegal. Tenants, if you get a notice that feels wrong, don’t panic. Check your lease. Compare it to Virginia’s official tenant rights guide. You might have more power than you think. The state doesn’t stop rent increases, but it does stop unfair ones.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides written by people who’ve been through this. From how to write a legally sound rent increase notice in Virginia, to what happens if your landlord tries to raise rent mid-lease, to how to fight back if your deposit disappears—every article here is built from real cases, real laws, and real questions tenants and landlords face every day. No theory. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you sign, move, or send that notice.