Virginia Rent Control Laws: Landlord/Tenant Guide 2024

River running in a wooded area with fall foliage in Virginia
Last updated iconLast updated December 20th, 2024

Rent control is a law that is set in place to keep landlords from charging too much for rent. Many states have rent control in place to protect tenants and make it easier for them to plan financially, but Virginia is not one of them.

Virginia rent control (or lack thereof) affects tenants and landlords by preventing landlords from overcharging for rent. If there is no rent control, such as is the case for Virginia, landlords can feel free to increase rent by whatever they see as necessary.

It’s not just helpful for landlords and tenants to know the relevant Virginia rent control laws (spoiler alert: there aren’t any!), but it’s essential. That way, tenants know how to plan when a lease term comes up, and landlords can continue increasing the amount of money brought in from rental properties.

In today’s article, we’re going to explore the topic of rent control in Virginia in greater detail to ensure you know your rights and responsibilities as a landlord. Read on for all you need to know.

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Key Takeaways

  • Rent control and stabilization do not exist in Virginia.
  • Multiple rent control bills have been presented, with none passed.
  • There are no Virginia rent increase limits.
  • Landlords simply have to give tenants 30 days’ notice for rent increases in general. This timeline may vary depending on the length and type of lease.

Rent Control Laws in Virginia: An Overview

Rent control is not permitted in Virginia, nor does it exist in any specific Virginia city. Landlords can charge rent as they see fit, though it is recommended to do so at a reasonable rate to stay competitive in the rental market.

In the last year or so, there have been two bills brought to the legislature to help with rent increases, notably Senate Bill 366 and House Bill 721. Both were aimed at preventing landlords from charging too much for rent and requiring sufficient notice to raise rent. Neither bills were passed.

Prior to those bills, House Bill 1532 was presented in 2023 to implement some rent stabilization measures. However, like those after it, this Virginia rent control bill did not pass.

Ultimately, Virginia has opted not to have rent control laws for many reasons. On the positive side, the lack of rent control laws can be helpful for the economy by encouraging people to build new properties, which can bring in revenue for not just the landlord but also the community. Landlords can continue increasing rent without caps, meaning that the potential income will increase, and that money could be fueled right back into the local economy.

In addition, since landlords can bring in more money from the rental properties, they have more incentive to keep the property in good condition. Yes, they are required to abide by all their relevant landlord-tenant laws, governing safe and habitable housing. However, without rent stabilization laws, Virginia landlords have more of an incentive to upkeep properties and ensure they are attractive to potential renters.

Rent Increase Limitations

Rent increase limitations do not exist in Virginia. Landlords typically figure out how much to charge for rent and increase based on the rates of the surrounding rentals.

While there are no laws governing this specifically, it is a good rule of thumb to stick to the market value for rent. Otherwise, your property could be left on the market for longer than competitive rental properties, which could leave you desperate while having to cover expenses out of your own pocket.

Eviction Laws

Virginia abides by both no-fault and just cause (fault) eviction laws, as long as the proper legal steps are taken. A no-fault eviction means the tenant didn’t do anything wrong. However, the landlord could be attempting to sell the home or might be planning to move in. Note: In a no-fault eviction, they don’t need to provide a specific reason.

Just cause evictions mean that the renter was behind on rent and is getting evicted, or there is another qualifying reason for the eviction. In any case, notice must be given. For instance, a no-fault eviction requires 30 days’ notice in general. Landlords can give a 5-day notice to pay or quit if rent has not been paid or issue a 30-day notice to quit for other violations.

Note: Virginia’s eviction laws are clear and directly relate to a landlord’s ability to control rent prices. According to Virginia law, landlords can set and increase rent at any rate deemed fit. (Code of Virginia § 55.1-1204)

That goes hand in hand with no-fault evictions. How, exactly? Since a landlord does not need to give a reason for a no-fault eviction, they could terminate a lease at the end of the agreement to bring in renters at a higher monthly rental price.

Landlord Rights and Responsibilities

As a Virginia landlord, it is essential to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding rent control, rent increases, and other laws. By knowing such laws, you can plan accordingly and ensure you’re in compliance with state, local, and federal laws every step of the way.

Virginia landlords have the right to:

  • Charge tenants rent each month, and accept prepaid rent – as long as it’s held in an escrow account.
  • Enter the property for reasonable repairs, inspections, and other purposes.
  • Institute a late fee after a five-day grace period.
  • Evict tenants in qualifying circumstances.

However, there are restrictions as well.

Virginia landlords must:

  • Set the rent at a “fair market” rate when there are no physical lease agreements.
  • Give 72 hours’ notice to enter a property for general maintenance purposes.
  • Not charge a late fee that is higher than 10% of the total rent due each month or 10% of the balance owed, whichever is lower.
  • Take care of any necessary maintenance or repairs – unless the landlord and tenant have agreed in writing that the tenant will handle the maintenance.

Landlords in Virginia must also abide by the Fair Housing Law, which states that applicants should not be discriminated for any reason, including:

  • Gender
  • Ethnic Background
  • Means of Making Income
  • Race
  • Religion
  • Family
  • Sexual Orientation
  • Military Status
  • Disability

Since there is no Virginia rent control, exemptions do not exist. However, landlords are prohibited from raising rent during a lease or not giving notice. You are also unable to raise rent out of discrimination or retaliation.

Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

Like landlords, tenants should know their rights and responsibilities regarding Virginia rent control, rent increases, and general landlord-tenant laws. That way, they know what is expected of both parties when they sign a rental agreement.

Virginia tenants have the right to:

  • A safe and habitable environment.
  • End a lease early, and get any deposits and rent back in qualifying circumstances.
  • Get repairs and maintenance done in a timely manner.

At the same time, Virginia tenants must:

  • Keep the property clean, and dispose of trash promptly.
  • Notify the landlord about any repair or maintenance needs.
  • Allow the landlord to enter the space for general maintenance, repairs, and inspections as long as 72 hours’ notice is given.
  • Pay rent within the first five days of the month.

Navigating Rent Control Laws with TurboTenant

Rent control and rent increases can be challenging for landlords to navigate. After all, you want to stay compliant when it comes to notice and other responsibilities, even if there is no Virginia rent control. Thankfully, TurboTenant’s free property management software can help.

Some of our many features include:

  • Customizable Virginia Lease AgreementsEnsure your rental contract is up to date with Virginia landlord-tenant laws to protect yourself and your property.
  • Rent Collection: Implement automatic reminders, late fees, receipts, and much more, saving yourself time and stress.
  • Tenant ScreeningDo a full background, credit, and eviction check for the ultimate peace of mind.
  • Rental Applications: View tenants’ rental history in depth, and get more information with our detailed rental applications.
  • Help Evicting a Tenant: Receive support with the full eviction process via our partner, EZ Evict USA.

Ready to streamline property management? Sign up for TurboTenant today.

Disclaimer: TurboTenant does not provide legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only. All users are advised to check all applicable local, state, and federal laws and consult legal counsel should questions arise.

Virginia Rent Control Laws FAQs

How much can a landlord raise rent in Virginia?

Since there is no Virginia rent control, a landlord is not restricted by how much rent can be raised.

How much notice is required to raise rent in Virginia?

Rent cannot be raised until after the lease is over. Landlords must give 30 days’ notice for rent increases in general, or seven days’ notice if a tenant’s lease period is week to week.

Can landlords ask for 3x the rent in Virginia?

Yes. There is no cap for rent increases in Virginia.