Virginia Rental Laws: Tenant Rights, Deposit Rules, and What You Can't Ignore
When you rent a place in Virginia, a U.S. state with specific legal protections for renters and landlords. Also known as the Commonwealth of Virginia, it has clear rules that govern every part of renting — from how much a landlord can charge for a deposit to how quickly they must fix a broken heater. These aren’t just suggestions. They’re enforceable by law, and ignoring them can cost you money, your home, or even your car.
One of the most common misunderstandings is about security deposits, money held by landlords to cover damage or unpaid rent. In Virginia, landlords can’t ask for more than two months’ rent as a deposit, and they must return it within 45 days after you move out — with a written itemized list of any deductions. If they don’t, you can sue for double the amount wrongfully kept. This isn’t theoretical. People have won cases over $500 deposits that were never returned. Then there’s rental occupancy, how many people can legally live in a rental unit. Virginia doesn’t set a statewide cap, but most cities follow the two-person-per-bedroom rule, unless you’re a family protected under federal housing laws. A landlord can’t say "no kids" or limit guests unless it’s clearly written in your lease and follows fair housing rules. And if your landlord refuses to fix a leaky roof or broken AC? You have rights. Virginia law says landlords must keep rentals in safe, habitable condition. You can’t just stop paying rent — but you can document the problem, send a written notice, and if they still ignore it, you may be able to pay for repairs yourself and deduct the cost from rent.
Virginia rental laws also cover evictions. Landlords can’t lock you out, turn off your utilities, or threaten you to leave. They must go through the court system. Even if you’re late on rent, they have to give you at least five days to pay before filing for eviction. And if you’re facing a no-cause eviction, they still need to give you 30 days’ notice — unless you’re on a month-to-month lease, which has different rules.
What you’ll find below isn’t a legal textbook. It’s real, practical advice from people who’ve been there: tenants fighting for their deposit back, landlords learning how to avoid lawsuits, and renters who didn’t know they could legally withhold rent for serious repairs. We cover what happens if you don’t pay property taxes, how many people can live in a house, and why rent keeps rising in Virginia. These aren’t guesses. They’re based on current laws, court rulings, and real cases.
How Many Tenants Can Live in a House in Virginia?
Virginia doesn't set a statewide limit on tenants per house, but local laws and lease terms control occupancy. Most areas allow two people per bedroom, but cities like Virginia Beach and Arlington have stricter rules. Know your city's code to avoid fines or eviction.
- November 8 2025
- Archer Hollings
- 0 Comments