Virginia Room Rental Agreement Template

An agreement for renting one bedroom in a shared home, with private and shared areas, house rules, a fair utility split and clear notice terms. 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))

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))

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))

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. The room and shared areas
3. Term
4. Rent
5. Utilities and household costs
6. Security deposit
7. House rules
8. Privacy and entry
9. Care and repairs
10. Ending this Agreement for a breach
11. Moving out
12. General terms
13. Signatures

Before you use it

• A room rental agreement covers one private room plus shared use of common areas like the kitchen and bathroom.
• House rules on guests, quiet hours, cleaning and shared costs prevent most housemate disputes.
• Some states treat a renter who lives with the owner differently, especially for eviction, so check before you rely on it.
• Fair housing law still applies to most room rentals, though some owner-occupied homes have narrow exemptions.

For the full explanation of this form, read our guide to the room rental agreement.