Tenant Rights in Virginia: What You Can and Can't Do as a Renter

When you rent a home in Tenant Rights in Virginia, the legal protections that define what renters can expect from landlords and what landlords must provide under state law. Also known as Virginia rental tenant protections, these rights cover everything from security deposits to repairs, and they don’t disappear just because your landlord sells the property. Unlike some states, Virginia doesn’t give tenants automatic rent control or long-term lease guarantees—but it does give you clear, enforceable rules if you know where to look.

One of the biggest things renters get wrong is thinking their lease ends when the property changes hands. It doesn’t. If your landlord sells the house you’re renting, your lease stays in place. The new owner has to honor your terms, including rent amount and move-out date. That’s not a suggestion—it’s state law. And if your landlord tries to force you out early? That’s illegal. You can fight back. Another common issue is the security deposit, the money landlords collect upfront to cover damages, which Virginia law requires be returned within 45 days after you move out. If they miss that deadline, you’re entitled to double the deposit back, plus court costs. No gray area. No excuses. Landlords can’t charge extra for pet deposits unless it’s written in the lease, and they can’t enter your home without notice—unless it’s an emergency. You also have the right to request repairs for serious issues like broken heat, mold, or leaking roofs. If they ignore it, you can pay for the fix yourself and deduct the cost from rent—just follow the right steps.

Virginia doesn’t have a statewide rent control policy, but that doesn’t mean your rent can jump anytime. Your lease locks in the rate until it expires. After that, the landlord can raise it—but only if they give you at least 30 days’ written notice. No surprises. And if you’re over 65 or disabled? You might qualify for property tax relief on your rental, even if you’re not the owner. It’s not automatic—you have to apply—but it’s real. These rules aren’t just paperwork. They’re tools. Used right, they keep you safe from shady landlords and unexpected costs.

Below, you’ll find real guides from renters and landlords who’ve been through this. From what to do when your deposit is stolen to how to handle a sudden rent hike, these posts give you the exact steps to take—no legal jargon, no fluff. Whether you’re moving into your first apartment in Richmond or dealing with a landlord who won’t fix the AC in Norfolk, you’ll find answers that actually work.