Virginia Tenant Rights Guide
Security deposits, eviction laws, rent control, and tenant protections in Virginia
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Virginia's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Va. Code § 55.1-1200 et seq.) caps security deposits at 2 months' rent and requires return within 45 days. Landlords must give 24 hours notice before non-emergency entry. Rent control is banned statewide, but tenants have a repair-and-deduct right of up to $1,500 after written notice to the landlord.
Security Deposit Max
2 months's rent
Deposit Return
45 days
Entry Notice Required
24 hours
Rent Control
Not permitted
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
Repair & Deduct
Allowed
Detailed Protections
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Security Deposit Limit
2 months' rent (Va. Code § 55.1-1226)
Protection Exists
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Deposit Return Period
45 days after termination with itemized statement
Protection Exists
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Entry Notice Required
24 hours except emergencies (§ 55.1-1229)
Protection Exists
❌
Rent Control
Banned statewide (Va. Code § 55.1-1304)
No Protection
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Repair & Deduct
Up to $1,500 after written notice (§ 55.1-1234)
Protection Exists
❌
Just Cause Eviction
Not required
No Protection
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Retaliation Protection
Prohibited — Va. Code § 55.1-1259
Protection Exists
Last reviewed 2026. Laws change — verify with your state attorney general or a local tenant rights organization.
Common Questions
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