Virginia Rent Increase Laws

Virginia Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 11, 2024 by Jessica Menefee

Rent Increase Facts Answer
Reason Needed? No
Maximum Amount None
Required Notice 7 or 30 Days

Does Virginia Have Rent Control Laws?

Virginia does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords request. State law prohibits local governments from establishing rent control laws.

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When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Virginia?

Landlords in Virginia can raise the rent at any time, as long as they comply with the following:

  • Wait until the end of the lease term (unless otherwise specified in the lease)
  • Give reasonable notice
  • Aren’t raising rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons

example

30 days before the end of a year-long lease, a landlord sends the tenant a notice that rent will increase by $150 per month if they choose to renew the lease.

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Virginia?

Landlords in Virginia may not raise the rent if:

  • It is during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement).
  • It is done in response to a protected tenant action, such as filing a complaint. This is known as “retaliation
  • The increase is applied in a way that discriminates against one of the protected classes specified in the Fair Housing Act.

    Additionally, Virginia’s Fair Housing Law prohibits discrimination due to:

    • Source of income
    • Military status

      How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Virginia?

      Landlords in Virginia can increase the rent as often as they wish, as long as sufficient notice is provided each time.

      How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Virginia?

      In Virginia, landlords must give notice as follows:

      •  Month-to-month lease – 30 days before the rent due date
      • Week-to-week lease – 7 days before the rent due date

      There is no specific notice period required for a year-long lease, but landlords are required to act reasonably. Landlords cannot increase the rent during the lease term unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement. If there is a year lease without a rent increase provision, the landlord must wait until the end of the lease term before increasing rent.

      note

      Landlords that own more than four dwelling units are required to provide notice of a rent increase to any tenant who has the option to renew or an automatic renewal provision in their lease agreement at least 60 days before the expiration of the lease .

      How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Virginia?

      In Virginia, landlords can raise the rent by any amount. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.

      Sources