Landlord Rights in Virginia: What You Can and Can't Do

When you own rental property in Virginia, a state with strong tenant protections but clear rules for landlords. Also known as the Commonwealth of Virginia, it operates under a balanced legal framework that expects landlords to be fair but also protects their ability to manage property. Unlike some states, Virginia doesn’t cap rent increases—so a $300 hike isn’t automatically illegal. But you still need to give proper notice, and you can’t raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless the contract says otherwise. This isn’t about being harsh—it’s about knowing where the line is.

One of the biggest misunderstandings is about lease termination, the process when a tenant breaks a lease early. In Virginia, landlords aren’t allowed to just keep the full rent for the rest of the lease. You must make a good-faith effort to re-rent the unit. If you find a new tenant, your former tenant only owes rent until then. This rule protects renters from being stuck with huge bills, but it also means you can’t just sit back and collect double rent. And when it comes to security deposits, you have 45 days after the tenant moves out to return it or explain why you’re keeping part of it. No vague reasons. No delays. Just clear, written notice. You also can’t turn off utilities, change locks, or threaten a tenant to force them out. That’s illegal eviction, and it can cost you more than the rent you’re trying to collect.

Property taxes in Virginia are paid in arrears, meaning you pay for the year that just ended. This affects how you prorate taxes at closing, and it’s something buyers and sellers both need to plan for. If you’re a non-resident landlord, someone who owns rental property in Virginia but lives out of state or abroad, you still have to file state tax forms and may need to withhold taxes from rent payments. Ignoring this doesn’t make it go away—it just leads to penalties, frozen bank accounts, or blocked property sales. The bottom line? Virginia gives landlords room to manage their investments, but it demands honesty, timing, and compliance. You’re not fighting the system—you’re working within it. Below, you’ll find real cases, legal limits, and step-by-step guides on everything from rent hikes to lease breaks. No fluff. Just what you need to know to protect your property and your income.