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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 limit2 months' rent
Deposit return deadline45–60 days
Interest on depositsnot required
Landlord entry notice72 hours
Late fee cap10% of rent or of the unpaid balance, whichever is less
Rent grace periodno statutory grace period
Prohibited lease clauses4 clause types restricted
Required disclosures5 disclosures required

Virginia lease law guides

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.