Virginia Residential Lease Agreement Template

A fixed-term lease for a house, apartment or condo. It sets the rent, deposit, rules and responsibilities for both sides, with slots for the rules of the state where the home is located. This edition fills in the Virginia rules we could confirm and marks the rest as blanks to check.

Virginia rules for this form

Deposit limit. A security deposit cannot exceed two months of periodic rent. (Va. Code 55.1-1226(A))

Deadline to return the deposit. The landlord must return the deposit, with a written itemized list of any deductions, within 45 days after the tenancy ends or the tenant moves out, whichever is later. (Va. Code 55.1-1226(A))

Notice before entry. Entry must be at reasonable times with notice, and routine maintenance the tenant did not request needs at least 72 hours of notice; no notice is needed in an emergency or when the tenant asked for the work. (Va. Code 55.1-1229)

Late fees. A late fee is allowed only if the written lease provides for it, and it cannot exceed the lesser of 10 percent of the periodic rent or 10 percent of the remaining balance due. (Va. Code 55.1-1204(E))

Grace period. Under the default terms that apply when no written lease is signed, rent is due on the first and late if not paid by the fifth. A written lease can set its own due date and late fee terms within the cap. (Va. Code 55.1-1204)

Required disclosures. The landlord must offer a written lease and give the tenant the state's statement of tenant rights and responsibilities with a signed acknowledgment; a landlord cannot sue over a lease violation until it has been provided. (Va. Code 55.1-1204(B) and (H))

Required disclosures. The first page of a written lease must list the deposit, the rent for each period and any one time charges, under a statement that no other deposits or rent will be charged unless listed or added by a signed addendum. (Va. Code 55.1-1204.1)

Required disclosures. Generally, landlords disclose any visible evidence of mold found at move in inspection. (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)

Required disclosures. Properties in a locality with a military air installation need a disclosure about noise and accident potential zones. (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)

Required disclosures. Homes built before 1978 need the federal lead-based paint disclosure and the EPA pamphlet. (Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act (42 U.S.C. 4852d))

Notice before a rent increase. Landlords who own more than four rental units must give written notice of a rent increase for the next term at least 60 days before the current lease ends. A version taking effect July 1, 2027 raises this to 90 days. (Va. Code 55.1-1204(K))

Notice before a rent increase. When a tenant stays on after the lease without a new one, a new rent set by written notice takes effect on the next rent due date that is at least 30 days after the notice. (Va. Code 55.1-1253(D))

Month-to-month notice. Either side ends a month to month tenancy with written notice at least 30 days before the next rent due date, and a week to week tenancy with at least 7 days. (Va. Code 55.1-1253(A))

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

1. Parties
2. Property
3. Term
4. Rent
5. Late charges
6. Security deposit
7. Other charges and fees
8. Utilities and services
9. Occupants and guests
10. Use of the property
11. Pets
12. Smoking
13. Maintenance and repairs
14. Alterations
15. Landlord entry
16. Subletting and assignment
17. Insurance
18. Default
19. Moving out
20. Notices
21. Disclosures
22. General terms
23. Signatures

Before you use it

• A residential lease is the main contract between a landlord and a tenant for a fixed term, usually 6 or 12 months.
• State law sets the limits on deposits, late fees, entry notice and eviction notices, and it overrides any lease clause that conflicts with it.
• A clause that waives a tenant's legal rights is usually unenforceable and can weaken the rest of the lease.
• Have an attorney in your state review your final version, and attach every disclosure your state and city require.

For the full explanation of this form, read our guide to the residential lease agreement.