Rental Property Rules in Portsmouth, VA (2026)
2 verified rental property rules for Portsmouth, Virginia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rental Registration
Owners of rental units inside one of Portsmouth's three designated rental inspection districts must notify the department of permits and inspections in writing within 60 days after a district is created or expanded. Willfully ignoring that notice requirement, after the city has already warned the owner, draws a civil penalty of up to $50.00.
Portsmouth Rental Dwelling Notification Requirement
Some RestrictionsSec. 17-84(a), (b)
(a)Every owner of a rental dwelling unit located within a rental inspection district shall notify the department, in writing, within 60 days after the creation or expansion of a rental inspection district if the owner's dwelling unit is used for residential rental purposes.(b)Willful failure of an owner of a residential rental dwelling unit subject to a rental inspection to comply with the abov...
Repairs & Habitability
Portsmouth's Buildings and Structures Maintenance Code makes every owner and operator responsible for keeping foundations, chimneys, porches, and exteriors structurally sound, restrooms clean and lit, and electrical service properly installed, regardless of when the building was built or what permits it holds. Violating any of these duties is a misdemeanor with fines climbing to $2,500.00 per offense on repeat violations.
Portsmouth Rental Building Maintenance Standards
Some RestrictionsSec. 17-33(2), (4), (13), (14)
(2)Foundation walls shall be kept structurally sound, free from defects and damage and capable of bearing imposed loads safely. ... (4)Exterior porches, landings, balconies, stairs and fire escapes shall be provided with banisters or railings properly designed and maintained to minimize the hazard of falling, and the same shall be kept structurally sound, in good repair and free from defects. ....