State law guide · Checked November 14, 2026

Virginia landlord rules: late fees, deposits and rent increases

Virginia caps late fees and limits deposits to two months' rent. Here is what the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (Va. Code title 55.1, chapter 12) says, with the section for each rule.

Late fees in Virginia

Limit

The lesser of 10% of the periodic rent or 10% of the remaining balance due. Va. Code § 55.1-1204(E)

Grace period

None in the statute for a written lease. Where there is no written rental agreement, rent is late if not paid by the fifth of the month. Va. Code § 55.1-1204(C)(4)

Other conditions

The late charge must be provided for in the written rental agreement. Va. Code § 55.1-1204(E)

Security deposits in Virginia

Maximum deposit

Two months' periodic rent. Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A)

Return deadline

45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant vacates, whichever is later. If repairs need a third-party contractor, notice given within the 45 days allows 15 more days to itemize. Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A), (E)

Itemized deductions

Required, in a written notice given to the tenant with any amount due, within the same 45 days. Va. Code § 55.1-1226(A)

Interest

The statute doesn't require it. Va. Code § 55.1-1226

How it's held

No special account or bond in the statute. Va. Code § 55.1-1226

Penalty

For a willful failure to comply, the court orders return of the deposit plus actual damages and reasonable attorney fees. The statute sets no multiple of the deposit. Va. Code § 55.1-1226(E)

Rent increases in Virginia

Notice to raise rent

For a month-to-month tenancy, a new rent takes effect no sooner than the next rent due date coming 30 days after the notice. Landlords who own more than four units have a separate rule for leases with a renewal option or automatic renewal: written notice of a rent increase at least 60 days before the end of the term. From July 1, 2027, that notice must come at least 90 days before the end of the term. Va. Code § 55.1-1253(D); § 55.1-1204(K)

Statewide cap

None in the statute. Va. Code ch. 12 (§ 55.1-1200 et seq.)

City rent control

The statute doesn't name rent control. The chapter supersedes all other local ordinances or regulations concerning landlord and tenant relations and the leasing of residential property. Va. Code § 55.1-1201(E)

This page covers Virginia state law for ordinary residential rentals. Cities and counties can add their own rules, and subsidized housing and mobile home lots follow different ones.

Questions landlords ask

Free templates you can use in Virginia

These are plain templates that aren’t tied to one state. Fill in the numbers your statute and lease call for.

• Rent increase letter kit: increase notice, renewal offer, pricing worksheet and delivery log.
• Late rent notice kit: friendly reminder, past-due notice, payment plan and delivery log.
• Security deposit return kit: itemized return letter, wear-and-tear guide and move-out checklist.
• Move-in kit: inspection checklist and deposit receipt, signed by the tenant.
• Rent ledger: running tenant balances and printable statements.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. It summarizes state statutes as read on November 14, 2026; laws change and courts interpret them. Check the current statute (Virginia Code, title 55.1, chapter 12) or talk to a local attorney before you act.