Tenants and landlords have legal protections under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA). The VRLTA applies to most residential rental properties in Virginia.
As a renter, there are certain rights and responsibilities that come with renting a home in Virginia. A summary of these right and responsibilities can be found by clicking on the Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities link. For more detailed information on the rights and responsibilities, please refer to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant handbook. The handbook provides further information on the rental process.
Before signing a lease, prospective tenants should read and understand the terms of the contract. Consulting a lawyer or the landlord for clarification of the rental agreement is advisable.
Starting July 1, 2020, all landlords must offer the Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities to any prospective tenant. Both the landlord and tenant must sign a form at the end of the statement acknowledging that the tenant has received from the landlord the statement of tenant rights and responsibilities. The written rental agreement will be effective on the date that the form is signed by both parties. Landlords must provide a copy of the signed Statement of Tenant Rights and Responsibilities and a copy of the written rental agreement within one month of the effective date of the rental agreement.
If you feel that you have been discriminated against in a housing transaction, contact the Virginia Fair Housing Office www.dpor.
