Renting in Virginia: What You Need to Know
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Whether you are looking for your first apartment or dealing with a problem in your current rental, knowing the rules and your options makes a big difference.
This page covers the basics of renting in Virginia and points you to more help depending on your situation.
If you get a notice from the court or the sheriff about your home, get legal help right away. These notices have strict deadlines. Missing them can affect your rights. Read more: Eviction in Virginia.
Before you sign anything
Signing a lease is a legal commitment. Always get your lease in writing and keep a copy. Before you sign, it helps to know what to look for in the lease, what your landlord must tell you about the apartment, and whether your background will affect your application.
Of course, it's also important to make sure the rent fits your budget — not just right now, but month after month.
Read more: Before You Sign a Lease in Virginia
What your landlord can charge you
Beyond rent, there are rules about what landlords can and cannot charge for deposits, application fees, late fees, and more.
Read more: Fees, Deposits, and Rent: What Can My Landlord Charge?
Living in your rental
Once you move in, your home is yours. There are things your landlord can and cannot do. Your landlord has to follow rules about when they can enter, what changes they can make, and what they can never do, like shut off your utilities. And you have duties, too.
Read more: Your Rights and Duties in Your Rental
Breaking your lease early
Leaving before your lease ends has real, often expensive, consequences. But in some situations, the law is on your side, including if you are a survivor of domestic or sexual violence or an active-duty service member.
Read more: Breaking Your Lease Early
When you move out
When you move out, there are things you should do to protect yourself from owing your landlord more money. Your landlord has to follow specific rules about returning any security deposit. If they do not follow those rules, you can take legal action.
Read more: Getting Your Security Deposit Back
Need help paying rent
Unfortunately, many people have trouble paying their rent if an emergency hits them. If you need short-term help paying your rent, dial 211 on your phone or visit the 211 Virginia website to find out where you might be able to get help in your area.