Virginia Security Deposit Limit
2 months' rentVirginia generally caps residential security deposits at 2 months' rent. A lease clause demanding more than that may be unenforceable — the FAQ below covers the exact conditions.
Educational information: generated from our Virginia law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Virginia compares
30 of 51 US jurisdictions cap security deposits by statute; the other 21 set no statewide cap (local caps can still apply in some cities). Here is how Virginia compares with other states in our database.
| State | Security Deposit Limit |
|---|---|
| Virginia | 2 months' rent |
| Washington | no statewide limit (local caps in some cities) |
| West Virginia | no statutory limit |
| Wisconsin | no statutory limit |
| Wyoming | no statutory limit |
Frequently asked questions
- How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Virginia?
- Virginia generally limits security deposits to 2 months' rent. Maximum 2 months rent (including damage insurance premiums). Return within 45 days with itemized statement. Additional 15 days if third-party contractor needed for damage assessment. Failure to comply: tenant can sue for 2x deposit plus attorney fees.
- Does Virginia require landlords to pay interest on security deposits?
- No. Virginia does not have a statewide requirement that landlords pay interest on security deposits.
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Virginia?
- Virginia landlords generally must return the deposit within 45–60 days after move-out.
Check Your Lease Against Virginia Law
Not sure whether your lease complies with Virginia law? Upload it and our analyzer flags problem clauses — deposit terms, entry rights, fees and prohibited provisions — using the same statute-backed database this page is generated from.
Analyze My Lease FreeEducational tool — not legal advice. First analysis is free, no signup required.
More Virginia lease law guides
Educational information generated from state statute data — not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Virginia for your specific situation.