Last updated: April 2026
Harrisonburg renters — including the large student population at James Madison University — are protected by Virginia's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. No rent control exists anywhere in Virginia, but the law sets firm rules on deposits, repairs, and eviction.
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Harrisonburg is an independent city in the Shenandoah Valley, home to James Madison University and Eastern Mennonite University, which means a significant share of residents are renters. The city's rental market is governed by the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA), Va. Code §§ 55.1-1200 through 55.1-1262. Virginia enacted statewide rent control preemption in 2023 (Va. Code § 55.1-1237.1), prohibiting all localities from passing rent control ordinances. Despite having no rent control, Virginia's VRLTA offers meaningful protections on security deposits, habitability, retaliation, and the formal eviction process.
Harrisonburg has no rent control, and state law enacted in 2023 expressly prohibits any Virginia locality from enacting rent control (Va. Code § 55.1-1237.1). Landlords in Harrisonburg may raise rent by any amount. For month-to-month tenancies, at least 30 days' written notice is required to terminate or materially change the tenancy (Va. Code § 55.1-1253). Student tenants on fixed-term leases should review their lease terms carefully, as the lease governs the rent amount for its duration.
Virginia's VRLTA provides the following key protections for Harrisonburg tenants:
Under Va. Code § 55.1-1226, security deposits in Virginia are capped at two months' rent. Your landlord must return your deposit — along with a written, itemized statement of deductions — within 45 days after you vacate and provide a forwarding address. Deductions may only cover unpaid rent and damages beyond normal wear and tear. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you may sue to recover the deposit plus additional damages. Deposits held for more than 13 months must earn interest at the rate set by the Virginia Real Estate Board. For student renters, be sure to document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with photos and written records.
To evict a tenant in Harrisonburg, a landlord must first serve a written notice — typically 5 days for nonpayment of rent or 30 days to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (Va. Code § 55.1-1253). If the tenant does not comply, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer action in Harrisonburg General District Court. The tenant has the right to appear at the hearing and contest the eviction. Only after the court issues a judgment and an order of possession may a sheriff remove the tenant. Self-help eviction — including lockouts and utility shutoffs — is prohibited under Va. Code § 55.1-1243.1 and may result in civil liability for the landlord.
No. Harrisonburg has no rent control ordinance. Virginia enacted statewide rent control preemption in 2023 (Va. Code § 55.1-1237.1), which prohibits all localities from enacting rent control. Landlords may raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
There is no limit on rent increases in Harrisonburg or anywhere in Virginia. For month-to-month tenants, at least 30 days' written notice is required before a material change to the tenancy takes effect (Va. Code § 55.1-1253). Students on fixed-term leases are protected from rent increases during the lease term.
Your landlord must return your security deposit within 45 days after you vacate and provide a forwarding address, along with an itemized written statement of any deductions (Va. Code § 55.1-1226). Deposits are capped at 2 months' rent. Wrongful withholding may entitle you to the deposit plus additional damages.
For nonpayment of rent, the landlord must give at least 5 days' written notice to pay or vacate. To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, at least 30 days' written notice is required (Va. Code § 55.1-1253). After proper notice, the landlord must file an unlawful detainer action in General District Court — self-help eviction is illegal.
No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Virginia. A landlord cannot change your locks, remove your doors, or shut off utilities without a court order (Va. Code § 55.1-1243.1). A tenant who is illegally locked out may recover actual damages plus attorney's fees.
Send your repair request in writing and keep a copy. If the landlord fails to make repairs within 30 days (or 14 days for emergencies), you may pursue remedies including rent escrow or lease termination (Va. Code § 55.1-1234). You can report code violations to the City of Harrisonburg's code enforcement office or contact Blue Ridge Legal Services for free legal assistance.
This article provides general information about tenant rights in Harrisonburg and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.
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