Virginia Landlord Tenant Law: Rights, Rules, and What You Can Do

When you rent a home in Virginia, you’re protected by Virginia landlord tenant law, a set of state rules that define the responsibilities of landlords and the rights of tenants in rental agreements. Also known as Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, it’s not just paperwork—it’s your legal shield against unfair practices. This law covers everything from how much a landlord can charge for a security deposit to when they can walk into your apartment—and it gives you real power if they break the rules.

One of the most common issues? Security deposit, the money tenants pay upfront to cover damages, which Virginia law requires landlords to return within 45 days after move-out. If they don’t, you can take them to small claims court—and win. Another key rule: landlord entry, which in Virginia requires at least 24 hours’ notice unless it’s an emergency like a burst pipe or fire. No surprise visits. No threats. Just the law. And if you’re facing eviction? Virginia doesn’t let landlords kick you out without a court order. Even if you’re late on rent, they must go through the system. You have time to respond, to fix it, or to find help. These aren’t vague suggestions—they’re enforceable rights backed by state courts and housing authorities.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real, actionable cases: how a tenant recovered a withheld deposit after 60 days, what happens when a landlord enters without notice, and how criminal records or past evictions can block access to public housing in Virginia. You’ll see exactly how income limits affect Section 8 eligibility, and what disqualifies someone from affordable housing—not just the rules, but the gray areas people get stuck in. Whether you’re a renter trying to hold your ground or a landlord trying to stay legal, these stories show the law in action—not just on paper, but in apartments, courtrooms, and daily life across Virginia.