General information, not legal advice. This template is a starting point. Laws differ by state and city, so have a licensed attorney review your final document before you use it.
Last reviewed
The short version
- A free Virginia edition of our rental application template, as a PDF to print and a Word file to edit.
- A nonrefundable application fee cannot exceed $50, plus the actual third party cost of background and credit checks; a refundable application deposit must be returned, less actual costs, within 20 days if the applicant does not rent. Checked on law.lis.virginia.gov on 2026-10-29. HUD regulated units have a lower cap.
- Generally, Virginia fair housing law bars discrimination based on source of funds, including housing vouchers, along with the federal protected classes.
- Have a Virginia attorney review your final version before you use it.
A rental application for each adult applicant covering identity, rental and job history, income, household, references and a signed consent to screening. This edition fills in the Virginia rules we could confirm and marks the rest as blanks to check.
Virginia rules for this form
Application fees. A nonrefundable application fee cannot exceed $50, plus the actual third party cost of background and credit checks; a refundable application deposit must be returned, less actual costs, within 20 days if the applicant does not rent. Checked on law.lis.virginia.gov on 2026-10-29. HUD regulated units have a lower cap. (Va. Code 55.1-1203)
Screening rules. Generally, Virginia fair housing law bars discrimination based on source of funds, including housing vouchers, along with the federal protected classes. (Virginia Fair Housing Law)
Cities and counties in Virginia can add their own rules on top of these. Check local ordinances before you sign.
What is in the template
- Property applied for
- Applicant
- Rental history
- Employment and income
- Household
- References and emergency contact
- Questions
- Screening criteria
- Authorization and consent
- For office use
Before you use it
- Every adult who will live in the home should complete their own application and sign the screening consent.
- Ask only what you need to apply written criteria, and never ask about traits that fair housing law protects.
- Many states and cities cap application fees, limit criminal history questions, or protect income from vouchers.
- If a consumer report affects your decision, federal law requires an adverse action notice.
For the full explanation of this form, read our guide to the rental application.
Get the Virginia rental application
Free, no sign up. Fill it in by hand or edit the Word file.
General template, not legal advice. Have a Virginia attorney review before use.
Verify current law
We last checked these Virginia rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Virginia attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- Va. Code 55.1-1203
- Virginia Fair Housing Law
Official sources
Goes with this form
Before you send it.
What does Virginia law say about application fees?
A nonrefundable application fee cannot exceed $50, plus the actual third party cost of background and credit checks; a refundable application deposit must be returned, less actual costs, within 20 days if the applicant does not rent. Checked on law.lis.virginia.gov on 2026-10-29. HUD regulated units have a lower cap. Source: Va. Code 55.1-1203.
What does Virginia law say about screening rules?
Generally, Virginia fair housing law bars discrimination based on source of funds, including housing vouchers, along with the federal protected classes. Source: Virginia Fair Housing Law.