Summer 2026 - New Tenant Protections in VA
In effect July 1, 2026, Virginia renters have expanded tenant protections under the law. Contact a legal entity if you have additional questions.
Pay or Quit Notices
Landlords are required to give tenants a written notice of the amount due and 14 days to pay or leave before filing an eviction lawsuit. (Va. Code § 55.1-1245(F))
Payment Rules
Landlords must accept check or money order and provide receipts for cash or money order payments.
Fees for paying rent cannot exceed the landlord’s actual cost. (Va. Code § 55.1-1204)
Court Process Protections
Eviction cases cannot be split into two trials if the amount owed is disputed in the first hearing. (Va.Code §8.01-128(B))
Low-income tenants can appeal eviction without paying a bond. (Va. Code §8.01-129; §16.1-107)
Victims of Family Abuse Protections
You cannot be evicted for crimes committed by an abuser on the property. To qualify, you must:
Provide a protective order banning the abuser from the property, OR
Ask the landlord to bar the abuser. (Va. Code §55.1-1245(D))
Air Conditioning
If central A/C is provided, it must be maintained. However, landlords are not required to provide central A/C. (Va. Code §55.1-1200)
Maintenance Charges
Landlords cannot charge tenants for repairs unless the damage was caused by a tenant or guest in violation of the lease or the law. (Va. Code §55.1-1208(C))
Bad Conditions as a Defense to Eviction
You can fight eviction for non-payment if essential repairs weren’t made, and you gave written notice and time to make repairs.
The judge may reduce the rent amount owed, order repairs, or end your lease. (Va. Code §55.1-1241)
Unsafe Living Conditions
Local governments take action against landlords for unsafe housing. Rent reduction or lease termination are possible outcomes. (Va. Code §55.1-1259)
Source: HOME of VA, Virginia Poverty Law Center, ForKids
Want to read more news from SCDHC? Check out our Summer 2026 Newsletter.