Virginia rent increase law

Chapter 12 sets no limit on how much rent may rise. During a lease, a change in terms needs notice under the lease or the law and both parties' written consent. When a month-to-month or holdover tenancy continues after a lease ends with no new agreement, a new rent set by written notice takes effect on the next rent due date that comes at least 30 days after the notice.

Va. Code § 55.1-1204(I) Va. Code § 55.1-1253(D)

• If you own more than four rental units in Virginia, or more than a 10 percent interest in more than four, give written notice of a rent increase for the next term to a tenant with a renewal option or an automatic renewal at least 60 days before the term ends. The same 60 days applies to a notice that you will not renew. Va. Code § 55.1-1204(K)
• From July 1, 2027 that renewal notice becomes 90 days and must set a reply deadline at least 30 days after delivery. Va. Code § 55.1-1204(K) (effective July 1, 2027)
• You may not raise rent to retaliate against a tenant for a protected complaint or activity, though you may raise it to market rates. Va. Code § 55.1-1258(A) See Retaliation on the Virginia page

Chapter 12 sets no cap on rent. It applies in every Virginia locality, cannot be changed by a local government, and replaces local ordinances on landlord and tenant relations, though localities may still enforce property maintenance codes and set up voluntary mediation.

Va. Code § 55.1-1201(A), (E)

• A locality may require landlords with five or more units in one multifamily building to install dead bolts, peepholes and window and sliding door locks. Va. Code § 55.1-1221 See Locks and security devices on the Virginia page

You may not raise rent, cut services, bring or threaten an eviction, or end a periodic tenancy in retaliation after learning that the tenant complained to a housing code agency about a violation affecting health or safety, complained to you or sued you under the landlord and tenant law, organized or joined a tenants' organization, or testified against you. Under the version in force until January 1, 2027, the tenant must prove retaliatory intent.

Va. Code § 55.1-1258(A), (B)

• You may still raise rent to market levels, reduce services for all tenants equally, and seek possession if the tenant caused the code violation, owes rent, or breached a duty affecting health and safety, or if code work would require the tenant to leave. Va. Code § 55.1-1258(A), (C)
• A tenant may raise retaliation as a defense to an eviction and recover actual damages. Va. Code § 55.1-1258(B)
• From January 1, 2027 the protected acts add complaints to news media and written complaints under the lease or the fair housing laws, the prohibited acts add raising fees, selective enforcement of rules, threats, harassment and refusing to renew a voucher holder's tenancy (unless for good cause), and the sentence placing the burden of proving retaliatory intent on the tenant is removed. Va. Code § 55.1-1258 (effective January 1, 2027)