Security Deposit Rules
Security deposit limits, return deadlines, and landlord entry notice rules are set by state and sometimes local law, and they change. Confirm the current rule in the statute itself or with a local tenant resource before relying on it. Our Virginia security deposit interest page covers whether interest is owed.
Notice Requirements
Landlord entry, month-to-month termination, and rent increase notice periods are set by state and sometimes local law, and they change. Check the lease for its notice terms, and confirm the current legal minimums in the statute or with a local tenant resource before relying on them.
Rent Control
Rent control rules depend on state and local law, and they change. Check the current rules with your state or local housing agency, or a local tenant resource, before relying on them.
Habitability & Repair Requirements
Virginia landlords are required to maintain rental units in habitable condition.
Market Conditions & Lease-Risk Notes for Virginia
Northern Virginia is one of the strongest commercial markets in the country — Amazon HQ2 in Arlington has driven significant development and rent appreciation. Arlington and Tysons Corner Class A office commands $50–80/sqft. Richmond is growing but more affordable. Hampton Roads is military-driven and stable.
Tenant protections vary by state. State and local laws may establish requirements that apply regardless of what a lease says. Review the lease alongside current applicable law before signing. Richmond and Hampton Roads are more moderate.
NoVA commercial leases where Amazon HQ2's presence has shifted the market dramatically — landlords near National Landing have significant leverage. Personal guaranty requirements in Arlington commercial leases that have intensified with market tightening.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the security deposit limit in Virginia?
- Security deposit limits, return deadlines, and landlord entry notice rules are set by state and sometimes local law, and they change. Confirm the current rule in the statute itself or with a local tenant resource before relying on it.
- How much notice does a landlord need to give to enter in Virginia?
- Security deposit limits, return deadlines, and landlord entry notice rules are set by state and sometimes local law, and they change. Confirm the current rule in the statute itself or with a local tenant resource before relying on it.
- Does Virginia have rent control?
- Rent control rules depend on state and local law, and they change. Check the current rules with your state or local housing agency, or a local tenant resource, before relying on them.
- Can a landlord raise rent during a lease in Virginia?
- Generally no — rent is fixed for the lease term. Landlords may raise rent at renewal, and the required notice varies by tenancy type, so check the lease and confirm the current rule.
- What are my rights if my landlord doesn't make repairs in Virginia?
- Virginia's landlord-tenant law addresses how repair requests are made, so check whether the lease requires written notice. Repair timelines and what happens if repairs are not made vary, so ask a local attorney about your situation.
Cities in Virginia
Find city-specific lease guides for major markets in Virginia: