General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- There is no statewide cap on rent increases.
- 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.
- 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.
- Generally, Virginia has no rent control, and localities have not been given authority to limit residential rents.
Virginia has no rent control. The state has not authorized local rent stabilization, and recent bills to allow it did not pass, so rent levels are set by the lease and the market.
Virginia rent control at a glance
| Rule | Virginia | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rent control status | Generally, Virginia has no rent control, and localities have not been given authority to limit residential rents. | Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and Dillon Rule |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide cap on rent increases. | Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act |
| 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) |
Does Virginia have rent control?
Rent control status. Generally, Virginia has no rent control, and localities have not been given authority to limit residential rents. (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and Dillon Rule)
Limits on increases
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide cap on rent increases. (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)
City and county rules
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Notice before an increase
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))
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a unit is exempt without checking the exemption rules and any notice the exemption requires.
- Following state rules and missing a stricter city ordinance.
- Raising rent in the middle of a fixed term when the lease does not allow it.
- Giving less notice than the increase requires.
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General information, not legal advice.
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
- Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and Dillon Rule
- Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
- Va. Code 55.1-1204(K)
- Va. Code 55.1-1253(D)
Official sources
Virginia forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Where landlords trip up.
Does Virginia have rent control?
Generally, Virginia has no rent control, and localities have not been given authority to limit residential rents. Source: Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and Dillon Rule.
How much can rent go up in a year in Virginia?
There is no statewide cap on rent increases. Source: Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.