Virginia Real Estate: Rent, Taxes, and Landlord Rules Explained

When it comes to renting or owning property in Virginia, a U.S. state with clear tenant and landlord laws that favor transparency and accountability. Also known as the Commonwealth of Virginia, it’s one of the few states where property taxes are paid in arrears and rent increases aren’t capped by state law—unless your lease says otherwise. That means if your landlord wants to raise your rent by $300 next month, they can—so long as they give you proper notice. But here’s the catch: they can’t just kick you out for no reason. Virginia rental laws require landlords to follow strict procedures, especially when ending a lease or withholding a security deposit.

Understanding Virginia property taxes, a system where you pay for the previous year’s ownership, not the current one. Also known as real estate tax, it affects every homeowner at closing and every buyer who thinks they’re getting a deal. At closing, proration kicks in—you pay for the days you owned, and the seller pays for the days they did. Miss a payment? The county can place a lien on your home. And if you’re a non-resident landlord, someone who owns rental property in Virginia but lives out of state. Also known as foreign landlord, you must file Form 1040-NR with the IRS and register with local authorities—or risk frozen bank accounts and blocked property sales.

Breaking a lease in Virginia isn’t a free pass. You don’t automatically owe the full remaining rent. The law says your landlord must make a good faith effort to re-rent the unit. If they find someone new, your liability ends. But if they sit on the unit for months? You’re not on the hook for the whole thing. And your security deposit? It’s not theirs to keep unless you damaged the place beyond normal wear and tear. They have 45 days to return it—or explain why they’re not.

Virginia’s real estate scene is full of these little-known rules that save tenants money and protect owners from lawsuits. From how rent increases are handled to what happens when you move out early, the details matter more than you think. Below, you’ll find real guides written by people who’ve been there—whether it’s figuring out if a $300 rent hike is legal, understanding why Virginia taxes work the way they do, or learning how to fight back if your deposit disappears. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you sign, move, or sell.