Virginia Rental Lease Laws: What Your Lease Can and Can't Say
Everything below is generated from our Virginia law database — the same statute-backed rules our analyzer uses to check leases. Prohibited clauses and required disclosures include their statute citations.
Educational information: this page summarizes Virginia landlord-tenant law for renters. It is not legal advice. Laws change — consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Virginia lease rules at a glance
| Security deposit limit | 2 months' rent |
|---|---|
| Deposit return deadline | 45–60 days |
| Interest on deposits | not required |
| Landlord entry notice | 72 hours |
| Late fee cap | 10% of rent or of the unpaid balance, whichever is less |
| Rent grace period | no statutory grace period |
| Prohibited lease clauses | 4 clause types restricted |
| Required disclosures | 5 disclosures required |
Virginia lease law guides
- Virginia Security Deposit Limit2 months' rent
- Virginia Deposit Return Deadline45–60 days
- Virginia Deposit Interest Rulesno interest required
- Virginia Landlord Entry Notice72 hours
- Virginia Late Fee Laws10% of rent or of the unpaid balance, whichever is less
- Virginia Rent Grace Periodno statutory grace period
- Virginia Prohibited Lease Clauses4 restricted clause types
- Virginia Required Disclosures5 required disclosures
Lease clauses restricted under Virginia law
- Waiver of implied warranty of habitabilityLikely Illegal
- Waiver of tenant rights under VRLTALikely Illegal
- Confession of judgment clauseLikely Illegal
All 4 prohibited clause types in Virginia, with statute citations →
Disclosures Virginia landlords must provide
- Lead Paint
- Statement of Tenant Rights
- Move-In Inspection
All 5 required disclosures in Virginia, explained with citations →
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Virginia lease law FAQ
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Virginia?
- Virginia generally limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. Conditions can apply — see the Virginia security deposit limit guide for details.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Virginia?
- Generally 45–60 days after move-out. Conditions can apply — see the Virginia deposit return deadline guide for details.
- Do landlords have to pay interest on security deposits in Virginia?
- No statewide statute requires it in Virginia, though local ordinances or your lease can add the obligation. Conditions can apply — see the Virginia deposit interest rules guide for details.
- How much notice does a landlord need to enter my apartment in Virginia?
- Generally at least 72 hours. Conditions can apply — see the Virginia landlord entry notice guide for details.
- Is there a limit on late fees in Virginia?
- Yes — late fees are generally capped at 10% of rent or of the unpaid balance, whichever is less. Conditions can apply — see the Virginia late fee laws guide for details.
- How many days late can rent be before fees in Virginia?
- There is no statutory grace period in Virginia; rent is late the day after it is due unless your lease says otherwise. Conditions can apply — see the Virginia rent grace period guide for details.
- What lease clauses are illegal in Virginia?
- Virginia law restricts 4 clause types tracked in our database, such as: waiver of implied warranty of habitability; waiver of tenant rights under vrlta; confession of judgment clause.
- What disclosures must a landlord provide in Virginia?
- Virginia requires: Lead Paint (Disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards for housing built before 1978); Statement of Tenant Rights (Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities required at lease signing); Move-In Inspection (Written report of move-in inspection; tenant has 5 days to return with comments); Mold (Disclosure of any known mold in the property); Flood Risk (Disclosure if property is in a flood risk zone).
More renter resources
Sources: state statutes cited above. Data last updated 2024-01-01. Educational information only — not legal advice.