Virginia has no rent control anywhere in the state, and no locality may impose it. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act supersedes all other local ordinances or regulations concerning landlord and tenant relations and may not be waived or modified by any locality (Va. Code § 55.1-1201). The VRLTA provides solid baseline protections covering security deposits, notice requirements, habitability, and eviction procedures.
Virginia at a Glance
Rent control: None
Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
Preemption: Virginia has no rent control anywhere in the state, and no locality may impose it. The Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act supersedes local ordinances concerning landlord and tenant relations and may not be waived or modified by any locality (Va. Code § 55.1-1201).
What Protections Virginia Tenants Do Have
Even without rent control, Virginia law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:
Security Deposit
Security deposits are capped at 2 months' rent. Landlords must return the deposit within 45 days of move-out with an itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles you to the deposit amount plus damages (Va. Code § 55.1-1226).
Notice to Terminate
Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 30 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy (Va. Code § 55.1-1253).
Repairs & Habitability
Virginia's VRLTA requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions. After written notice, landlords have 30 days (or 14 days for emergencies) to make repairs. Remedies include rent escrow and lease termination (Va. Code § 55.1-1234).
Retaliation Protection
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations or exercising legal rights by raising rent or initiating eviction (Va. Code § 55.1-1258).
Lockout Prohibition
Self-help eviction is illegal in Virginia. Landlords must go through the unlawful detainer process. A tenant who is illegally locked out may recover actual damages plus reasonable attorney's fees (Va. Code § 55.1-1243.1).