Your Rights as a Virginia Tenant

Your Rights - Under Virginia State law, you have certain rights and the property owners have certain responsibilities to those who rent.

You have a right:

• To have, in writing, the name and address of the person authorized to manage the premises and serve and receive notices.
• To have a copy of the statement of policy, rules and regulations, and a copy of the rental agreement you signed.
• To a 120 day notice of a rent increase and an opportunity to meet with the landlord or the landlord's agent.
• To object to proposed changes in rules and regulations as provided in Virginia law.
• To be free from retaliation by the landlord if a legitimate complaint is made.
• To have protection against eviction for anything except non-payment of rent, flagrant violations of rules or illegal activity.
• Not to sign a new rental agreement. If you have a month to month rental agreement, you cannot be forced to sign a new agreement.
• To have a written notice of rules or policy violations of which you may be accused.
• To expect the rental to be maintained in a safe and healthy condition.
• To have in place a process for informal dispute resolution.
• To have in writing the seller and the buyer of a home, a statement of the reasons for rejection if the buyer is denied tenancy.

Note: This is only a partial list of your rights. For further information consult the Virginia Code. This is the law that controls landlord/tenant relationships. Copies are available by calling the Virginia State Ombudsman's office in Richmond. Return to Home Page