Virginia Deposit Return Deadline
45–60 daysUnder Virginia law, a landlord generally has 45–60 days after move-out to act on your security deposit — 45 days, plus up to 15 more when a third-party contractor must assess damages. The FAQ below covers the details.
Educational information: generated from our Virginia law database (last updated 2024-01-01). Not legal advice.
How Virginia compares
51 of 51 US jurisdictions set a statutory deadline for returning security deposits. Here is how Virginia compares with other states in our database.
| State | Deposit Return Deadline |
|---|---|
| Virginia | 45–60 days |
| Washington | 30 days |
| West Virginia | 60 days |
| Wisconsin | 21 days |
| Wyoming | 30–60 days |
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Virginia?
- Generally 45–60 days after move-out. 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.
- Can a Virginia landlord keep my deposit for damages?
- Landlords may generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, but must account for deductions. Deductions for ordinary wear and tear are not allowed.
- What if my Virginia landlord misses the deposit return deadline?
- Missing the statutory deadline (45–60 days) can expose the landlord to statutory penalties. 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.
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.