Rent increases in Virginia

For a month-to-month or holdover tenancy, the landlord gives written notice of the new rent, which starts on the next rent due date at least 30 days later. Larger landlords (more than four units) must give written notice of a renewal-term increase at least 60 days before the lease ends; this becomes 90 days on July 1, 2027. (Va. Code §§ 55.1-1253(D), 55.1-1204(K))

• The notice must be in writing.
• The change can only start at the end of a rental period (on a rent day).

Earliest date the new rent can start, with rent due on the 1st, worked out from the Virginia rule above:

• For a month-to-month tenant of 1 year raising rent 5% or a month-to-month tenant of 3 years raising rent 12%: Friday, January 1, 2027

A landlord's one-sided change to a rental agreement is not valid unless notice is given as the agreement or law requires and both parties consent in writing. (Va. Code § 55.1-1204(I))

The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act applies statewide, cannot be changed by localities, and supersedes all other local ordinances on landlord-tenant relations and residential leasing. (Va. Code § 55.1-1201(A), (E))

A landlord may not retaliate by raising the rent after learning the tenant complained to a building or housing code agency, complained or sued under the landlord-tenant act, joined a tenants' organization, or testified against the landlord. The landlord may still raise rent to the level charged for similar market rentals. Until January 1, 2027 the tenant must prove retaliatory intent; there is no presumption period. From January 1, 2027 (2026 c. 1111) the protected acts also include complaints to news media and fair-housing complaints, the ban covers rent and fee increases, an increase made under the lease's own terms is not retaliation, and the statute no longer says the tenant bears the burden of proving retaliatory intent. (Va. Code § 55.1-1258 (both versions))

• To end a month-to-month tenancy either side needs written notice at least 30 days before the next rent due date (7 days for week-to-week), unless the rental agreement sets a different period (Va. Code § 55.1-1253(A)).
• In a tenancy at will, a notice changing the terms counts as a notice to vacate (Va. Code § 55.1-1225).
• The 60/90-day renewal notice rule does not apply to periodic tenancies created under § 55.1-1253(C).

Security deposit

No more than two months' periodic rent, however the deposit is named (§ 55.1-1226(A)). A landlord also may not require both a deposit and damage-insurance premiums if together they exceed two months' rent (§ 55.1-1206(A)). Return deadline: 45 days (see details).

Tenant's notice to move out

30 days, ending with a rental period

Notice for unpaid rent

14 days (pay or move out)

How a written notice is delivered (eviction-notice rules)

Written notice by regular mail or hand delivery, with the sender keeping a certificate of service as proof (Va. Code § 55.1-1200, definition of "notice"); served at the tenant's last known residence, which may be the unit (§ 55.1-1202(B)). Electronic notice is allowed if the rental agreement provides for it, but the tenant may opt for paper (§ 55.1-1202(A)). A sheriff may deliver notices on request (§ 55.1-1247).

Notice for other lease violations

30 days (fix it or move out)

Small claims court limit

$5,000 — where most deposit and rent disputes are filed.

Repairs

Time to repair: 14 days. Repair and deduct: allowed with limits; withholding rent: not allowed.

Deposit kept wrongly

If the landlord willfully fails to comply, the court orders return of the deposit plus actual damages and reasonable attorney fees. If the tenant owes rent, the deposit amount is credited against that rent instead (§ 55.1-1226(E)).

Lawful reasons to end a lease early

Domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking; Military service (state law); Unit unlivable or landlord fails to repair

• Va. Code § 55.1-1253 Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Va. Code § 55.1-1204 (both versions; July 1, 2027 version) Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Va. Code § 55.1-1258 (both versions) Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Va. Code § 55.1-1201 Retrieved October 15, 2026.
• Va. Code § 55.1-1225 Retrieved October 15, 2026.

Laws change. This page was checked against the sources above on October 15, 2026. It is legal information, not legal advice; for a dispute, contact your state's legal aid. See our methodology.