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
- 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.
- There is no statewide cap on rent increases.
- A landlord may not raise rent, cut services or seek possession because a tenant complained to a code agency, complained to or sued the landlord, joined a tenant group or testified against the landlord.
Virginia landlords who own more than four rental units must give written notice of a rent increase at least 60 days before a lease term ends. For month to month tenancies, a new rent applies from the next rent due date at least 30 days after written notice.
Virginia rent increase notice at a glance
| Rule | Virginia | Law |
|---|---|---|
| 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) |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide cap on rent increases. | Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act |
| Retaliation protection | A landlord may not raise rent, cut services or seek possession because a tenant complained to a code agency, complained to or sued the landlord, joined a tenant group or testified against the landlord. | Va. Code 55.1-1258 |
How much notice to give
Give the notice in writing, keep a copy and record how and when it was delivered.
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))
Fixed-term leases
During a fixed-term lease, rent usually stays as written until the term ends unless the lease itself allows an increase. Plan increases for the renewal.
Caps that limit the increase
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide cap on rent increases. (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)
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)
Timing and retaliation
Retaliation protection. A landlord may not raise rent, cut services or seek possession because a tenant complained to a code agency, complained to or sued the landlord, joined a tenant group or testified against the landlord. (Va. Code 55.1-1258)
Mistakes to avoid
- Raising rent during a fixed term without a clause that allows it.
- Sending the notice by text or email when the lease or the law calls for written delivery another way.
- Increasing rent right after a repair request or complaint.
- Not keeping proof of when the notice was delivered.
Keep the Virginia rent increase notice summary on file
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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
- Va. Code 55.1-1204(K)
- Va. Code 55.1-1253(D)
- Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
- Va. Code 55.1-1258
- Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and Dillon Rule
Official sources
Virginia forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
- Notice of Rent Increase · PDF or Word
- Rent Increase Letter · PDF or Word
- Lease Renewal Letter · PDF or Word
Asked by landlords in this state.
How much notice is needed to raise rent in Virginia?
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. Source: Va. Code 55.1-1204(K); Va. Code 55.1-1253(D).
Is there a cap on rent increases in Virginia?
There is no statewide cap on rent increases. Source: Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Can a rent increase count as retaliation in Virginia?
A landlord may not raise rent, cut services or seek possession because a tenant complained to a code agency, complained to or sued the landlord, joined a tenant group or testified against the landlord. Source: Va. Code 55.1-1258.