What Is the Most a Landlord Can Raise Rent in Virginia?

When you're renting in Virginia, your landlord can raise your rent-but not without limits. Unlike some states with strict rent control, Virginia doesn’t cap how much rent can go up. But that doesn’t mean your landlord can hike it anytime, any amount. There are clear rules under state law that protect tenants and define what’s legal.

Virginia Has No Rent Control

Virginia is one of 44 states that does not have rent control. That means cities like Richmond, Alexandria, or Norfolk can’t pass local laws to limit how much rent increases each year. The state legislature blocked local rent control back in 1988, and it’s still in effect today. So if your landlord wants to raise your rent by $500 next month, they legally can-unless your lease says otherwise.

Notice Requirements: 30 Days Minimum

Even without a cap, landlords must follow notice rules. If you’re on a month-to-month lease, your landlord must give you at least 30 days’ written notice before raising the rent. That notice must come before the start of the next rental period. For example, if rent is due on the 1st, and they want to raise it on April 1, they must notify you by March 1 at the latest.

If you’re under a fixed-term lease (like a one-year agreement), your rent can’t go up during that term unless your lease specifically allows it. Most standard leases don’t include rent increase clauses, so the rent stays the same until the lease ends. After the lease expires, the landlord can then raise the rent with proper notice.

What About Large Increases?

There’s no legal limit on the percentage increase in Virginia. A landlord could raise rent by 5%, 15%, or even 50%-as long as they give the required 30-day notice. In 2025, some renters in Northern Virginia saw rent hikes of over 20% in a single year. That’s not unusual in high-demand areas like Arlington or Fairfax County, where housing supply is tight and demand is high.

While it’s legal, extreme increases can trigger tenant pushback. Some landlords avoid raising rent too sharply because it risks losing good tenants and facing longer vacancy periods. Finding a new tenant isn’t free-marketing, background checks, and cleaning cost money. So many landlords prefer moderate increases to keep people in place.

Illegal Rent Increases

Even in a state with no rent control, some rent hikes are still illegal. Here are the red flags:

• Retaliation: If you complained about unsafe conditions, requested repairs, or reported code violations, and your rent suddenly jumped 30% the next month, that could be illegal retaliation under Virginia Code § 55.1-1442.
• Discrimination: Raising rent only for tenants of a certain race, religion, gender, or family status violates the Fair Housing Act. That’s federal law and applies everywhere, including Virginia.
• No notice: If you get an increase with less than 30 days’ notice, it’s not enforceable. You can legally refuse to pay the higher amount until proper notice is given.
• Breaking lease terms: If your lease says rent won’t change for 12 months, and they raise it after 6 months, that’s a breach of contract.

What Can You Do If Your Rent Goes Up Too Much?

You can’t stop a legal increase-but you can respond smartly:

1. Review your lease: Check if there’s a clause about rent increases. Some leases limit increases to a percentage per year.
2. Compare local rates: Use sites like Zillow, Apartments.com, or local Facebook groups to see what similar units are renting for. If your new rent is far above market, you might have leverage to negotiate.
3. Ask for a compromise: Some landlords will agree to a smaller increase if you commit to a longer lease. Offer to sign a 15- or 18-month lease in exchange for a 5% raise instead of 15%.
4. Document everything: Keep copies of all notices, emails, and payment receipts. If you think the increase is retaliatory or discriminatory, this paper trail matters.
5. Know your rights: Contact the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) or Legal Aid if you believe your rights are being violated.

Market Trends in 2025

In 2025, Virginia’s rental market remains tight, especially in the I-95 corridor. According to data from the Virginia Housing Alliance, average rent increases across the state were 8.7% in 2024, with some metro areas like Richmond and Roanoke seeing increases over 12%. In contrast, rural counties like Buchanan or Wise saw increases under 3%.

Why such a difference? Urban areas face higher construction costs, limited land, and more demand from remote workers and new residents. Rural areas have more available housing and less pressure, so rent stays stable.

What About Security Deposits?

While rent increases are separate, security deposits have their own rules in Virginia. Landlords can’t raise your security deposit mid-lease. After a lease ends and you renew, they can adjust the deposit-but it can’t exceed two months’ rent for unfurnished units, or two and a half months for furnished ones. If your rent goes up, your deposit can go up too-but only when you sign a new lease.

How to Prepare for a Rent Increase

If you’re worried about future increases, here’s what helps:

• Pay rent on time: Landlords are more likely to negotiate with reliable tenants.
• Keep your unit in good shape: A clean, well-maintained apartment is harder to replace.
• Build a relationship: Talk to your landlord. If they see you as a long-term tenant, they’re more likely to offer a reasonable raise.
• Save for bumps: Aim to set aside 5-10% of your monthly income for potential rent hikes. That cushion helps avoid stress when increases hit.

When to Consider Moving

If your rent has doubled in two years and you’re now spending over half your income on housing, it’s time to rethink. Virginia doesn’t have rent control, but it does have affordable options. Smaller towns like Staunton, Harrisonburg, or even counties like Culpeper offer lower rents than the D.C. suburbs. Moving isn’t giving up-it’s adjusting to reality.

Before you go, check if you qualify for housing assistance. Programs like Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers) are still available in Virginia, though waitlists are long. Local nonprofits and community action agencies can help you navigate the process.

Final Takeaway

Virginia landlords can raise rent by any amount, as long as they give 30 days’ notice and don’t break the law. There’s no cap, no ceiling, no limit-but there are still protections. Know your lease. Know your rights. Know your market. And don’t be afraid to ask for a better deal. Many landlords would rather keep a good tenant than risk an empty unit for months.

Virginia rent increase rules are simple: no cap, but clear notice and no retaliation. Stay informed, stay organized, and know your rights. The system favors landlords-but tenants still have tools to protect themselves.