Rental Property Rules in Richmond, VA

If you live in Richmond or are thinking about moving there, rental property rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Richmond has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Source-of-Income Discrimination

Virginia's Fair Housing Law prohibits Richmond landlords from refusing to rent based on a tenant's lawful source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, Social Security, and other public assistance.

Key details: Authority: VA §36-96.3. Added: 2020. Covers: Section 8, public assistance. Severity: Moderate.

Refusing voucher tenants, advertising no-vouchers policies, or applying discriminatory screening criteria triggers fair housing complaints, civil penalties, and damages under state and federal fair housing law.

Section 8 Voucher Acceptance

Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority administers Housing Choice Vouchers locally, and Virginia state law requires landlords to consider voucher holders on equal terms with other applicants under amended Fair Housing protections.

Key details: Local administrator: RRHA. Federal program: HUD HCV. Acceptance: Required by VA §36-96.3. Severity: Moderate.

Refusing voucher applicants, charging voucher tenants higher rent than market tenants, or evading HAP contract obligations triggers fair housing enforcement and potential program termination.

Tenant Anti-Harassment

Virginia law protects Richmond tenants from landlord retaliation and harassment for asserting their rights, including filing habitability complaints, joining tenant organizations, or pursuing legal remedies under the Residential Landlord-Tenant Act.

Key details: Authority: VA §55.1-1258. Protected acts: Complaints, organizing. Remedy: Damages plus fees. Severity: Moderate.

Retaliatory rent increases, service reductions, evictions, or non-renewals can trigger statutory damages, court-ordered injunctions, and attorney fee awards under VA §55.1-1258.

Security Deposit Rules

Virginia's Residential Landlord-Tenant Act caps security deposits at two months' rent, requires return within 45 days of move-out with itemized deductions, and applies uniformly across Richmond rentals under state preemption.

Key details: Cap: Two months' rent. Return deadline: 45 days post-vacate. Authority: VA §55.1-1226. Severity: Moderate.

Failure to return deposits within 45 days or to itemize deductions exposes landlords to forfeiture of deductions, statutory damages, and attorney fees.

Rent Control

Richmond cannot impose rent control because Virginia Code 55.1-1204 and Dillon's Rule preempt local rent regulation; landlord-tenant disputes fall under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (VRLTA).

Key details: State Preemption: VA Code 55.1-1204. Dillon Rule: No local rent control. Security Deposit: 2 months max. Inspection District: VA 36-105.1:1 authorized. Affordable Tools: Land trust, zoning bonus.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Richmond gives residents more flexibility on rent control.

The Bottom Line

Richmond's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Richmond is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Richmond can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.