Last Updated July 1, 2024
Virginia Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities under the
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act as of July 1, 2024
This is a summary of tenants’ rights and responsibilities under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant
Act. This summary does not modify your lease or Virginia law. A lease cannot give up a tenants’ rights
under the law. The information below is not intended as legal advice. All parties to a rental agreement are
encouraged to consult the Department of Housing and Community Development's website for more
information related to landlord and tenant resources. Tenants with questions are encouraged to contact
their local legal aid program at (866) 534-5243 or valegalaid.org/find-legal-help.
Tenant Rights
Applications:
Tenants may be charged a nonrefundable application fee of no more than $50 (not including
third party costs for a background check) and a refundable application deposit. If the tenant
does not rent the unit, the application deposit must be returned, minus any actual costs or
damages. (§55.1-1203)
Written lease:
Under the VRLTA, a landlord is required to provide a tenant a written lease. If a landlord
fails to do so, the VRLTA still protects a tenant by establishing a statutory lease between
landlord and tenant for 12 months not subject to automatic renewal. (§55.1-1204)
Disclosure:
A landlord must reveal certain information to the tenant, including any visible evidence of
mold (§55.1-1215), the name and address of the owner or property manager (§55.1-1216),
notice of sale or foreclosure of the property (§§55.1-1216, 1237), and on the first page of
the lease, the rent and any additional fees. (§55.1-1204.1)
Security Deposit:
A landlord may require a security deposit of up to two monthʼs rent. Within five days of
move in the tenant has a right to object to anything in the move-in report. The tenant also
has a right to be present at a move-out inspection, which must be made within 72 hours of
delivery of possession. (§§55.1-1214, 1226)
Receipts:
Upon request, a tenant is entitled to a written receipt of rent paid by cash or money order.
Upon request, a tenant is entitled to a written statement of all charges and payments over
the past 12 months. (§55.1-1204(D), (I))