Virginia Eviction Law: What Tenants and Landlords Need to Know

When it comes to Virginia eviction law, the legal process a landlord must follow to remove a tenant from a rental property. Also known as unlawful detainer, it’s not just about sending a notice—it’s about following strict timelines, documenting violations, and respecting tenant rights under state code. Unlike some states, Virginia doesn’t require a court order before issuing a notice, but it does demand precision. Miss a step, and your eviction could be thrown out—even if the tenant hasn’t paid rent.

Virginia rent increase, how much a landlord can raise the monthly payment. Also known as rent control exceptions, it’s unregulated at the state level, meaning there’s no cap on how high a raise can go—but landlords must give 30 days’ notice for month-to-month leases and can’t raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless the contract allows it. A $300 jump? Legally possible. But if the tenant has been paying on time and the market hasn’t shifted, it’s likely to trigger disputes, complaints, or even legal pushback. And here’s the catch: if a tenant is being evicted because they can’t afford the new rent, the landlord still has to prove the violation was valid under the lease terms. It’s not enough to say "I raised the rent." You have to show the tenant broke a rule.

Virginia property taxes, how homeowners and landlords pay for local services based on assessed value. Also known as real estate tax, these are paid in arrears—meaning you pay for the year that just ended. This matters because at closing, buyers and sellers must prorate taxes accurately. If you’re a landlord renting out a property, unpaid property taxes can lead to liens, which can delay or even cancel an eviction if the property is in foreclosure. That’s why many landlords check tax status before starting an eviction. A property with unpaid taxes isn’t just a financial risk—it’s a legal minefield.

Then there’s the connection to lease termination Virginia, how tenants end a lease early and what they owe. Also known as early lease break, it’s not the same as eviction. If a tenant leaves before the lease ends, they’re still responsible for rent until the landlord finds a new one. But the landlord must make a good-faith effort to re-rent. This duty to mitigate damages is built into Virginia law—and it’s often the key to reducing what a tenant owes. This rule protects tenants from being stuck with a year’s rent just because they moved out early. It also forces landlords to act reasonably, not sit back and wait for the full term to expire.

At the heart of all this is the relationship between landlord tenant rights Virginia, the legal balance of power between property owners and renters. Also known as residential tenancy laws, these rights cover everything from security deposit returns to repair responsibilities and notice periods. Tenants can’t be locked out without a court order. Landlords can’t cut power or change locks to force someone out. And both sides must follow the rules—or face penalties. These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re enforceable rights backed by state courts and local housing authorities.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides based on actual cases and legal filings in Virginia. From how to fight an illegal eviction to what a $300 rent hike really means under state law, from how property taxes affect your rental income to how breaking a lease can still leave you with a clean credit record—if you do it right. This isn’t theory. It’s what people are actually dealing with right now in Virginia rentals.